Rutgers Fraternity Suspended After 19-Year-Old’s Critical Injury

URGENT UPDATE: A 19-year-old Rutgers University student is in critical condition after a hazing incident at the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, prompting immediate suspension of the chapter. This alarming development occurred early Wednesday morning, around 12:26 a.m., when local authorities responded to a disconnected emergency call from a residence on College Avenue in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Officials confirmed that the student was found unresponsive and transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he remains in serious condition. The fraternity’s local chapter has been placed on interim suspension following a cease and desist order from Rutgers University, which has also placed the chapter on organizational disciplinary probation until May 18 and social probation until November 3.

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. “We are currently gathering information on what happened that evening,” stated Gordy Heminger, spokesperson for Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, Inc. He emphasized that if hazing is confirmed, the chapter will be closed and any participating members will face permanent expulsion.

In a troubling atmosphere during Rutgers’ homecoming and Family Weekend, students expressed shock at the news. Freshman Adriana Lesniak commented, “The whole scenario is insane because people pay a lot of money to join frats and stuff like that happens. You really have to think about, like, is it worth the money.”

Authorities have declared the fraternity house an unsafe structure, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. Rutgers University has directed all inquiries to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, underscoring the urgency of the ongoing investigation.

As developments unfold, the university community is left grappling with the implications of this incident. The attention now turns to the potential outcomes of the investigation and the university’s response to ensure student safety in the future. Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent matter, as local and national conversations about hazing practices intensify.