Drake Investigation: Phi Delta Theta New Member Hospitalized (Alcohol)

[exlurker]

Update November 17, 2009

Station WHOTV has a brief story on its site saying that Phi Delta Theta has been closed at Drake. Reportedly the chapter might return in four years.

See:

http://www.whotv.com/news/who-story-...,7307895.story

WHO Staff Writer
November 17, 2009

The days of Phi Delta Theta at Drake University are done for four years after an alleged hazing incident led to the near fatal alcohol poisoning of a pledge.

The punishment stems from the alcohol poisoning of a Phi Delta Theta pledge . . . on November 8th. Nineteen-year old Nathan Erickson . . . . was hospitalized with a blood-alcohol level of .50.

Two fraternity members, Skylar Otto and Joseph Hatchett, are charged with misdemeanor hazing in relation to the incident.

An official announcement is on Phi Delt's IHQ site:

Oxford, Ohio, November 17 - On Friday, November 13, 2009, The General Council of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity voted to suspend the charter of the Iowa Delta chapter at Drake University. In addition, the university has withdrawn recognition of Phi Delta Theta as a student organization. This decision was made after an investigation that uncovered violations of the Fraternity risk management policies in regard to alcohol and hazing.

Members of the former chapter currently living in the facility will be offered university housing for the remainder of the year, but must move out of the chapter house no later than November 30, 2009.

“The General Council regrets the need to take this most serious form of action; however, it is felt the best way to ensure a bright future on the Drake University campus is to suspend the charter until a time when Phi Delta Theta can return to campus,” said Jacob Kingdon, Director of Chapter Services. “We plan to return in four years with a new group of students that will be in alignment with the values of the Fraternity.”

. . .

Edited to Add:

And from:

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/app...D=200991116039

Interesting portion of an article in the Des Moines Register; good thinking, smart action by one of the chapter officers, apparently:

Alexander Timm, who lives at the house, came home and found Erickson “gurgling” on the couch and unresponsive, police said. Timm, the Phi Delta Theta treasurer, called 911 and likely saved Erickson’s life, said Des Moines Sgt. Lori Lavorato, a police spokeswoman. . . .