Fraternity Suspended Following Suspicious Death Of VCU Freshman

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) has suspended its Delta Chi fraternity chapter after a freshman was found dead over the weekend.

The body of 19-year-old Adam Oakes was found on Feb. 27 at an off-campus fraternity house, Fox 5 DC reports. The student is believed to have consumed a large amount of alcohol prior to his death.

Eric Oakes, the student's father, said his son was pledging the fraternity in an attempt to socialize amid the restricting conditions of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Adam was an awesome boy. He loved life. He was the kindest kid. He was really just one of those guys once you were around him you just felt the love,” the grieving father stated.

A cousin of the student, Courtney White, said Oakes’ was allegedly hazed during a “big little reveal” rush event, ABC News reports.

“It was a handle of Jack Daniels that Adam was handed over and mixed with something. By 10, 10:30, it was said Adam was done with it. He had drank the whole thing,” White said.

Following his death, the university released a statement offering students outlets to cope with their grief.

“This is a tragic loss for Adam's family and members of our community, and we encourage any students in need of support to contact University Counseling Services,” VCU said in a statement.

Along with being suspended from the university, the national office of the Delta Chi fraternity also suspended the chapter and advised members to comply with authorities.

“We encourage all members to cooperate with law enforcement, investigative efforts, and all directives of the University Administration,” the organization said in a statement.

A medical examiner is expected to do an autopsy to determine the VCU student’s cause of death.

The Richmond Police Department has launched an investigation into Oakes’ death. Officials are asking students with any information regarding the incident to contact detectives.