Cornell University’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter has been guilty of first-degree hazing and providing alcohol to a minor after a 19-year-old pledge died from alcohol poisoning during a hazing ritual.
According to Reuters, last year members of the fraternity kidnapped the teen from his home, bound his hands and feet, and forced him to drink until he passed out. The pledge never regained consciousness and died a few hours later. A coroner’s report reveals he had a 0.356 blood alcohol level.
No members will be sentenced for the deadly ritual since the fraternity is considered a corporation. The teenager’s family has decided to file a $25 million wrongful death lawsuit.