Delta Tau Delta Pledge at Wabash College Dies

[aggieadpi_01]

A freshman DTD pledge at Wabash College was found dead over the weekend in the DTD house. So far all the article says is that they found him in a pool of vomit. Police suspect that alcohol was involved. Here is the link on Fox News:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,433305,00.html

My prayers go out to his family and to his fellow DTD brothers.

[exlurker]

The statement posted on the Wabash web site regarding Mr. Smith's death:

http://www.wabash.edu/news/displayst...m?news_ID=6245

[aggieadpi_01]

I like how the second article did not refer to alcohol as a possible factor. I am not saying that it might not have been a factor, but I think so many people that are not Greek are quick to judge us and automatically think of scenes out of the movie "Animal House." The article from the Wabash College website was definitely more tasteful.

[exlurker]

A slightly newer article, with quotes from Wabash students and administrators, that deals with campus culture regarding drinking as well as with possible alcohol education efforts:

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dl...OCAL/810070385

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by the article

Smith's relatives in Tucson, Ariz., said the aspiring engineer felt pressure from other fraternity members to drink. Relatives said they think he drank too much during homecoming festivities before his fraternity brothers put him to bed.

It's terrible that his family is going through this, but I don't like the speculation. How do they know that's what was going on? And if they knew he was being forced to drink, why not step in earlier to do something?

I'm looking forward to seeing the results of the investigation.

[LaneSig]

http://wabash.edu/news/displaystory.cfm?news_ID=6263

Article from the Wabash website about the campus memorial service for Johnny Smith.

[exlurker]

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dl...WS04/810100482

Excerpts from article:

The Wabash College chapter of Delta Tau Delta has been suspended . . . .
Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity said Thursday it had directed the chapter to suspend operations. Wabash College says it also has suspended the chapter while the death of Johnny D. Smith of Tucson, Ariz., is investigated.

[exlurker]

Alcohol poisoning has been ruled as the official cause of death:

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dl...WS04/810230479

[exlurker]

Update November 6, 2008: Wabash De-recognizes and Closes Delta Tau Delta

See:

http://www.indystar.com/article/2008...EWS04/81106054