Rutgers Fraternity Suspended After 19-Year-Old Hospitalized

URGENT UPDATE: A 19-year-old Rutgers University student is in critical condition following a serious incident linked to hazing at the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity house. The fraternity has been placed on interim suspension as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding this alarming event.

Officials confirmed the student was hospitalized early Wednesday morning, October 4, 2023, after police responded to an emergency call at 12:26 a.m. at a residence on College Avenue in New Brunswick, New Jersey. When authorities arrived, they found the student unresponsive. He was rushed to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he currently remains in critical condition.

In light of this incident, Rutgers University issued a cease and desist order on all fraternity activities, placing the Alpha Sigma Phi chapter on organizational disciplinary probation until May 18, 2024. The fraternity will also face social probation until November 3, 2023. This is particularly concerning as Rutgers is currently in the midst of a busy homecoming and Family Weekend.

Gordy Heminger, spokesperson for Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, Inc., stated, “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, and any member who participated will be permanently expelled.” He emphasized that hazing “has no part in the Alpha Sigma Phi experience.”

Witnesses on campus expressed shock at the situation. Freshman Adriana Lesniak remarked, “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.”

Nearby fraternity houses declined to comment, reflecting the tense atmosphere surrounding the investigation. Rutgers University has directed all inquiries to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, which is actively monitoring the situation.

As authorities continue to gather information, the campus community is left grappling with the implications of this tragic event. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as officials work to uncover the full details of what transpired that night.

Stay tuned for more developments as this story unfolds and authorities provide additional information on the investigation into hazing at Rutgers University.