Fresno State Theta Chi: Three Face Charges in Pledge's Death
 

Three Fresno State Theta Chis have been charged in connection with the death of a freshman pledge. The Reuters report indicates that the three are "former members," and that the chapter is now closed. The allegations include hazing and providing alcohol to an underage individual. For names, autopsy findings (BAC, brain swelling), and other alleged elements of the story, see a Los Angeles Times report at

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lano...h-charges.html

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/...92B10V20130312

Comment: two of the three men facing charges are older than the “usual” 18 – 22 age range for IFC fraternity actives; one reportedly is 28, another 24. Maybe this is fairly common at Fresno State ?

I went to Fresno State for undergrad. I remember being surprised at how much older many of the fraternity guys were. I think that's due to the fact that Fresno State is more of a commuter school that tends to attract non-traditional students. I loved my sorority experience at that school, but the school itself wasn't that great in my opinion. It's awful to hear this about Theta Chi. They were our neighbors, and were very nice guys back in the 90s. My heart goes out to the family of the young man who died.

Members discussing things with the police? Not good at all. They should have had a crisis management plan. They clearly didn't. I hate to sound crass about this because a kid died and obviously the chapter's hazing policies were to blame. Nevertheless, leaders need to understand how to and when to circle the wagons.