Students dies after being forced to take drugs in university hazing
The parents of a dead university student have filed a lawsuit against his fraternity, claiming he died as a result of extensive hazing.
Collin Wiant, 18, who lived at the Sigma Pi fraternity at Ohio University, died in November last year, two months after he began living there, CNN reported.
It’s alleged he was made to undergo an initiation which included being beaten, made to take drugs, deprived of sleep and forced to drink about four litres of alcohol in an hour.
A lawsuit states that “bodily injury and emotional distress” ultimately led to Mr Wiant’s death.
The lawsuit was filed in Athens County Court last week.
A toxicology report showed he died from asphyxiation caused by nitrous oxide inhalation from gas canisters.
It’s claimed Mr Wiant also had eggs thrown at him and was made to take cocaine, marijuana, Adderall, Xanax and drink moonshine, The Athens News reported.
Sean Alto, who filed the lawsuit, said the family’s legal team know who was in the house when the 18-year-old died but none of them are willing to talk.
The lawsuit claims on the night of his death, Sigma Pi instructed all of its members undergoing initiation “to close ranks” and ensure everyone kept the same story.
Lawyer Rex Elliott told The Athens Post the fact the fraternity allegedly held the meeting hours after Mr Wiant’s death “is about as shocking and disgusting as it gets”.
Sigma Pi CEO Jonathan Frost said he’s yet to be served the lawsuit and has declined to comment.
Ohio University is investigating Mr Wiant’s death.
Do you know more or have a story tip? Email: y7newsroom@yahoo7.com.au.
You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo7’s daily newsletter. Sign up here.
