Rutgers Fraternity Suspended After Student, 19, Critically Injured

URGENT UPDATE: A 19-year-old Rutgers University student remains in critical condition following a serious incident linked to a fraternity hazing event early Wednesday morning. The local chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi has been suspended as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the student’s injuries.

At approximately 12:26 a.m. on October 25, 2023, Rutgers police responded to a residence on College Avenue in New Brunswick, New Jersey, after receiving an emergency call that was abruptly disconnected. Upon arrival, officers discovered the student unresponsive and severely injured. He was quickly transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he continues to fight for his life.

In response to this alarming incident, Rutgers University announced a cease and desist order on all fraternity activities and placed Alpha Sigma Phi on organizational disciplinary probation until May 18. The chapter is also under social probation until November 3. Officials are taking swift action to ensure student safety and uphold university standards.

Authorities have not disclosed specific details about where the injuries occurred within the fraternity house. However, a notice was posted, marking the Alpha Sigma Phi house as an unsafe structure.

Gordy Heminger, spokesperson for Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, Inc., stated,

“We are currently gathering information as to what happened that evening, but to be very clear … if it is determined by the fraternity, the university or law enforcement that the undergraduate members hazed that evening, the chapter will be closed, any member who directly or indirectly participated in those activities will be permanently expelled and the fraternity will encourage the university and law enforcement to pursue the maximum penalties allowed.”

He emphasized that hazing is not tolerated within the fraternity, and all members received training on health and safety guidelines, including hazing, just last month.

This shocking incident coincides with a busy weekend at Rutgers, as it marks homecoming and Family Weekend. Students on campus expressed disbelief over the situation, with freshman Adriana Lesniak commenting,

“The whole scenario is insane because people pay a lot of money to join frats and stuff like that happens.”

As the investigation unfolds, Rutgers University has directed all inquiries to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. The university community is on high alert, and further updates are expected as authorities work to uncover the details of this troubling event.

Stay tuned for more developments on this urgent matter as the investigation continues.