A fraternity chapter at Rutgers University has been shut down just a week after an alleged hazing incident left a 19-year-old student seriously injured, the national fraternity organization confirmed Friday.
According to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, officers found the student unresponsive shortly after midnight on October 15, following a disconnected 911 call. The student had been at the fraternity house in New Brunswick and appeared to have come into contact with electricity, suffering serious burns or a shock. Authorities believe he may have nearly been electrocuted.
Alpha Sigma Phi International Fraternity said it initially placed the Rutgers chapter on interim suspension after the incident. The chapter has now been permanently closed.
“Based on our investigation, hazing occurred that evening, and as a result, the fraternity has closed the chapter,” said Gordy Heminger, president and CEO of Alpha Sigma Phi International Fraternity. “All members directly or indirectly involved will be permanently expelled.”
The injured student was taken to a local hospital in critical condition. A spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office said Friday that he is still hospitalized but no longer in critical condition.
Authorities have not released further updates on the ongoing investigation. Heminger emphasized that the fraternity will cooperate fully with the prosecutor’s office.
“We hope that through the university conduct process and the criminal process, the maximum penalties will be imposed to send a strong message—hazing is illegal and will not be condoned or tolerated,” he said.
Rutgers University also expressed concern, saying it is working closely with law enforcement and supporting the student’s family. “Rutgers-New Brunswick remains deeply concerned about the serious incident involving one of our students,” the university said in a statement. “We hope for his full recovery.”
Online records for Rutgers Greek life now show the Alpha Sigma Phi chapter as closed.
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