Authorities are continuing to look into whether hazing or unsafe living conditions played a role in the incident that left a 19-year-old Rutgers University student in critical condition, a family in desperation and a fraternity chapter suspended.
The student, who has not been identified, was discovered injured and unresponsive at Alpha Sigma Phi’s off-campus housing on College Avenue, the main artery running through the New Brunswick campus, early last Wednesday. Hours later, the university issued a cease-and-desist on the Alpha Sigma Phi chapter.
News 12 New Jersey reports the house has also been condemned.
The student was last said to be in critical condition at a hospital, though neither Rutgers nor other officials have elaborated on the circumstances. The details of the student’s injuries weren’t clear.
Rutgers New-Brunswick campus acknowledged the situation in a statement, but provided little other detail.
“Rutgers-New Brunswick remains deeply concerned about the serious incident involving one of our students. University leadership is in close contact with the student’s family, offering support during this difficult time. We hope for his full recovery,” the statement said. “Out of respect for the student, his family, and the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we cannot provide additional details at this time. For questions regarding the investigation, please direct inquiries to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.”
Rutgers officials said the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office is leading the investigation and that Rutgers University is fully cooperating.
According to national representatives for Alpha Sigma Phi, the Rutgers chapter had just gotten health and safety training last month.
“We are currently gathering information as to what happened that evening but to be very clear…if it is determined by the Fraternity, the University or law enforcement that the undergraduate members hazed that evening, the chapter will be closed, any member who directly or indirectly participated in those activities will be permanently expelled and the Fraternity will encourage the University and law enforcement to pursue the maximum penalties allowed,” the statement from the national organization read.
Middlesex County prosecutors are also investigating.
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