Mom Sues Frat Over Son's Hazing Death

Suit says teen was tied up, forced to drink until he passed out
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 28, 2011 1:00 AM CDT
Cornell's Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity Sued Over Hazing Death
Several frat members were charged with first-degree hazing after the death of Desdunes.   (Facebook)

The Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity is facing a $25 million lawsuit over the alcohol-related hazing death of a Cornell University student, reports the AP. George Desdunes, 19 years old and already a full-fledged member of the frat, had his hands and feet bound in a mock kidnapping ritual and was forced to drink alcohol until he passed out, according to the wrongful death lawsuit filed by his mother.

Desdunes was found on a frat house couch the next morning with his hands and feet still bound, according to the suit, which accuses one pledge of attempting to remove the zip ties around the teen's hands and feet before police arrived. "With the death of my son, I find some comfort in knowing that this lawsuit may bring about changes in fraternities that will prevent other families from suffering," his mother says. Cornell revoked the fraternity's recognition after the death. (More hazing stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X