Sept. 15 (UPI) — Louisiana State University officials said they are investigating a student death that may have been caused by a hazing incident, the school announced Thursday.
Maxwell Raymond Gruver, 18, was taken from the Phi Delta Theta fraternity to a nearby hospital Thursday morning where he died shortly after. Ernie Ballard, the university’s media relations director told NBC News that police are investigating the death as a “potential hazing incident” involving the fraternity.
“The death of Maxwell Gruver was tragic and untimely,” F. King Alexander, the university’s president, said in a statement, the New York Times reported. “There are allegations that Maxwell’s death was related to hazing, but I want to emphasize that this is an evolving situation.”
Alexander confirmed that alcohol was involved and that Gruver, a freshman from Roswell, Ga., may have been involved in a drinking game at the fraternity house, reported the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Autopsy results are expected to be released Friday. All fraternity activities are suspended until the cause of death is determined.
“As we have continually warned over and over again, hazing is dangerous, irresponsible and unacceptable, and it will not be tolerated at LSU. Period,” Alexander said.
Bob Biggs, the chief executive at Phi Delta Theta, said the fraternity is “committed to investigating this situation thoroughly.”
“The chapter and any individuals who are found to have violated our policies will be held accountable,” he said.
