A criminal probe is underway at Texas A&M University following a troubling hazing incident that has left multiple fraternity pledges hospitalized, some of whom are reportedly unable to walk and others with urine described as “almost black.” This serious event has prompted the suspension of the chapter involved.
The distressing alleged hazing took place on September 14 at the Kappa Sigma Lodge in College Station, and is currently the focus of an investigation by the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office, according to an announcement made by the department on Monday.
During the alleged hazing, new pledges of Kappa Sigma were reportedly taken to a remote off-campus site where they “were instructed to engage in physical activity until they were completely exhausted,” as noted by BCSO.
The pledges were subjected to an exhausting workout under filthy conditions, leading some participants to lose consciousness, as reported by KPRC 2 News.
“You had to place your hands on your heels and squat together as a group while they yelled at you to keep going. We did three, four, or even 500 of those,” one victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared with KPRC.
“We were all in mud, in very dark surroundings, with people shouting at us, shining lights in our faces. I felt dizzy, and several of us ended up throwing up,” he continued.
This same student recounted that the aftermath left him struggling to move his legs, and he noticed that his urine was “almost black.”
Additionally, fellow pledges who sought medical assistance were allegedly instructed by fraternity leaders to visit various hospitals and misrepresent their condition to medical staff, as reported by KPRC 2.
Although unverified, the same victim mentioned that many of his peers were diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a serious and potentially fatal muscle injury. The symptoms of rhabdomyolysis can include dark urine, muscle soreness, and fatigue, as indicated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In response to the incident, Kappa Sigma’s Executive Director, Bradley Bailey, issued a statement acknowledging awareness of the situation and asserting that any member found guilty of violating the fraternity’s strict anti-hazing code will face repercussions. The operations of the chapter at A&M are currently suspended while an investigation is conducted.
The university has reiterated that it has a zero-tolerance policy towards hazing and is taking these allegations seriously, as reported by KHOU 11.
“These allegations are under investigation for potential breaches of the Student Conduct Code. The university pledges full cooperation with any law enforcement investigations linked to these claims. Due to the active inquiry, we are unable to share further details at this time,” the university stated.
Authorities are continuing their investigation and are encouraging victims or individuals with relevant information to come forward.
This is not the first instance of hazing related to Kappa Sigma. In 2018, two fraternity members from Kappa Sigma at Texas Christian University faced arrest after a pledge was hospitalized due to excessive alcohol consumption that nearly resulted in his death.
