Maxwell Gruver Update: LSU Fraternity Formally Suspended After Suspected Hazing Death
A Louisiana State University fraternity was suspended following the suspected hazing death of a freshman Thursday. The national headquarters of Phi Delta Theta formally revoked the chapter’s charter four days after it announced it was investigating the death of 18-year-old Maxwell Gruver.
Gruver was pronounced dead at a hospital near the school in the early hours Thursday morning. A preliminary autopsy revealed elevated an blood alcohol level as well as the presence of THC, a chemical found in marijuana. While there was no external or internal trauma, his exact cause of death remained unclear. Authorities said his death was being investigated as a possible hazing incident.
Phi Delta Theta's national headquarters came to the decision after finding that the chapter had violated risk management policies, including its “Alcohol-Free Housing” policy, it said in a statement Monday. The organization said it would continue to support the investigation into Gruver’s death and that anyone involved should be prosecuted to “the fullest extent of the law.”
“This tragedy furthers our belief that one of the biggest problems on college campuses today is the abuse and misuse of alcohol,” said Bob Biggs, Executive Vice President and CEO of Phi Delta Theta. “In 2000, we implemented Alcohol-Free Housing to address this issue, but this incident serves as a stark reminder of why we need to continue to educate our undergraduates on the dangers of alcohol, hazing and be constantly vigilant to ensure our risk management policies are fully implemented.”
The fraternity has a national anti-hazing policy in place. Phi Delta Theta also said it would review the organization’s health, safety and educational policies as well as enact new initiatives to prevent any similar situations from occurring in the future.
“We continue to keep the entire Gruver family in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time,” said Biggs. “This is a very tragic situation that should have never happened.”
In the immediacy after Gruver’s death, all Greek activities at LSU were suspended. Meanwhile, the Interfraternity Council held a mandatory meeting for all fraternity members at the school in light of the allegations, LSU Now reported.
“There are allegations that Maxwell’s death was related to hazing, but I want to emphasize that this is an evolving situation,” said LSU President F. King Alexander. “As we have continually warned over and over again, hazing is dangerous, irresponsible and unacceptable, and it will not be tolerated at LSU, period.”
A memorial was held Monday at LSU’s Christ the Kind Catholic Church to remember Gruver.
“Max’s family ask that all of you who’ve been touched by Max honor and celebrate his life by doing three things every day,” Rev. Andrew Merrick said at the ceremony, reading from a family statement. “One: radiate the happy, positive energy that Max did. Two: always look to challenge yourself and seek opportunities to grow. Most importantly, always care for those around you.”
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