University At Buffalo Suspends 35 Sororities, Fraternities' Activities After 'Potential Hazing' Death

An 18-year-old student of the University At Buffalo (UB), New York, died after being involved in a possible hazing incident last week, leading the administration to suspend all activities of the university’s sororities and fraternities.

Sebastian Serafin-Bazan, from Port Chester, New York, had been on life support since April 12. The student went into cardiac arrest after he was reportedly forced to perform exercises through Thursday night and into Friday morning by his fraternity brothers. He was rushed to the hospital later in the day with a "serious medical condition" believed to be the result of "potential hazing."

“Our hearts go out to Sebastian’s family for the devastating heartbreak they are experiencing. We extend our sincerest condolences to the Serafin-Bazan family and to all of Sebastian’s friends here at UB and in his hometown of Port Chester, N.Y. We join them in mourning the tragic loss of a member of our UB family. As we grieve Sebastian’s passing today and well beyond, it is my hope that each of us pauses to remind ourselves that we can only uphold our humanity by treating each other with dignity, compassion, and kindness,” UB president Satish K. Tripathi said in a statement Wednesday.

"If you are struggling, please know that our university counselors are here to provide you support in the aftermath of this terrible loss. As we grieve Sebastian’s passing today and well beyond, it is my hope that each of us pauses to remind ourselves that we can only uphold our humanity by treating each other with dignity, compassion and kindness," he said.

Tripathi added that all activities related to the university’s 35 fraternities and sororities were suspended, at least until the start of the fall semester. An internal review will be conducted into the incident and the Greek-letter organizations will be subjected to counseling, where they will be made aware of the university's zero-tolerance policy on hazing.

A resident living near the university told Buffalo News that he had learned from an unnamed fraternity member that Serafin-Bazan had fell and hit the back of his head on a coffee table during the incident, which reportedly took place in Sigma Pi. After that, he was carried out of the building to get some fresh air. Other details about the alleged hazing incident were not immediately clear.

The student’s toxicology report said he had no drugs or alcohol in his system. Prior to the incident, Serafin-Bazan was being treated for some sort of a respiratory ailment. Buffalo Police Capt. Jeff Rinaldo said that his autopsy report was pending.

Sigma Pi executive director Jonathan Frost released the following statement on the student’s death: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Sebastian's family and friends during this extremely difficult time. We remain in communication with the Buffalo Police Department and university officials, and have offered our support for their ongoing investigation.”

The UB student association also offered its condolences on Serafin-Bazan’s death: