Clemson Student Found Dead Near Campus

[LillyPhi]

The body of a Clemson University student was pulled from the water near the college campus on Monday afternoon, according to the Oconee County Sheriff's Office.

Watt said the man's body was discovered near the shore in a rocky area under the bridge in about 4 to 5 feet of water. The body was pulled from the water just after 5 p.m.
Coroner Karl Addis identified the victim as 19-year-old Tucker Hipps, of Piedmont.

SigEp's national communications manager Rob Jepson said they are aware of allegations on social media that Hipps' death may have been linked to hazing in some way and said the fraternity has a zero tolerance policy. Jepson said they are investigating those claims

http://www.wistv.com/story/26597964/...-lake-hartwell


This is so sad to hear, especially during National Hazing Prevention Week.

[OleMissGlitter]

Originally Posted by LillyPhi

The body of a Clemson University student was pulled from the water near the college campus on Monday afternoon, according to the Oconee County Sheriff's Office.

Watt said the man's body was discovered near the shore in a rocky area under the bridge in about 4 to 5 feet of water. The body was pulled from the water just after 5 p.m.
Coroner Karl Addis identified the victim as 19-year-old Tucker Hipps, of Piedmont.

SigEp's national communications manager Rob Jepson said they are aware of allegations on social media that Hipps' death may have been linked to hazing in some way and said the fraternity has a zero tolerance policy. Jepson said they are investigating those claims

http://www.wistv.com/story/26597964/...-lake-hartwell


This is so sad to hear, especially during National Hazing Prevention Week.

Do we really think it was hazing? I mean he was a sophomore and already initiated. Prayers for his family and his friends.

[Kevin]

I really object to this headline. Very speculative at this point.

[OleMissGlitter]

Originally Posted by Kevin

I really object to this headline. Very speculative at this point.

That's what I was thinking...

[unarose]

Current article title:

Sheriff: No indication hazing played a part in Clemson student's death

From the article:

After an autopsy was completed, Addis said the cause of death was due to a head injury consistent with an unsupported fall.

He said the injury is consistent with Hipps falling from one of the spans which is approximately 20 to 23 feet above the water's surface.

Addis said there is no ruling on the manner of death at this time as they await the law enforcement investigation and toxicology analysis which could take several weeks.

Sheriff Mike Crenshaw release a statement on Tuesday saying there has been no indication in their investigation that hazing played a part in the student's death. He emphasized the investigation is ongoing.

[clemsongirl]

IFC has voted to suspend all fraternity new member activities while the investigation is ongoing, and Sig Ep nationals has asked that the Clemson chapter suspend their activities pending the outcome of the investigation.

This has been a very difficult time for the Clemson Greek community, but many of us are wearing orange today in honor of Tucker. People at schools such as FSU, UGA, Auburn, USC, NC State, Coastal Carolina, Furman and many other schools near and far have said that they are wearing orange in solidarity for our loss. I have never been prouder to be a member of Clemson's Greek community or the student body as a whole.

[amIblue?]

It appears that every thread that the OP has started is to link to a story about a negative aspect of Greek life.

[clemsongirl]

All Clemson students just received this email:

Clemson suspends 24 fraternities' social, new-member activities

Clemson University officials have suspended all social and new-member initiation activities of 24 fraternities in the wake of several recent reports of violations of the law or student conduct code.

“It is especially prudent to suspend fraternity activities given the tragic death of Tucker Hipps. There has been a high number of reports of serious incidents involving fraternity activities, ranging from alcohol-related medical emergencies to sexual misconduct,” said Student Affairs Vice President Gail DiSabatino. “These behaviors are unacceptable and mandate swift and effective action to protect students. There is no higher priority than the safety and welfare of our students.”

Matters of a criminal nature have been turned over to appropriate law enforcement agencies, while violations of the student code of conduct are being investigated by the university’s Office of Community and Ethical Standards.

Earlier this week, the Interfraternity Council voted to suspend activities, and DiSabatino said student leaders would be engaged in developing strategies to address the issues.

Email gwiser@clemson.edu with any questions.

Issued by Clemson University Media Relations

[pshsx1]

SigEp Press Release: http://www.sigep.org/blog/sigma-phi-...ker-hipps.html

Sigma Phi Epsilon is saddened to learn about the death of Clemson student Tucker Hipps. Hipps was a sophomore at the university and a member of SigEp’s Clemson chapter.

A representative from the Fraternity’s national office arrived at Clemson on Monday evening and is working with the university to ensure that members of the chapter receive the support and counseling they need during this difficult time.

Fraternity CEO Brian Warren said in a statement Tuesday, “This is a time for mourning, and our hearts and prayers are with the Hipps family.”

The Fraternity is aware of allegations being made through social media that the death was in some way linked to hazing. SigEp has a zero tolerance policy regarding hazing and is currently investigating these claims.

Warren responded to the allegations of hazing saying, “We’ve lost the life of a young man, a life that was taken way too soon. There are a lot of people who are hurting right now, and that’s our number one priority at the moment. But if foul play was involved in any way, Tucker’s fraternity will do everything it can to see that those responsible are brought to justice.”

At this time, the national office has asked the chapter to suspend all scheduled programming to focus on supporting those close to Tucker Hipps.

[AZTheta]

Originally Posted by amIblue?

It appears that every thread that the OP has started is to link to a story about a negative aspect of Greek life.

I noticed that. Things that make you go "hmmmmmm".

My sympathies and condolences to Sigma Phi Epsilon, the chapter members and families, and the Clemson student body, at this very sad time.

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by amIblue?

It appears that every thread that the OP has started is to link to a story about a negative aspect of Greek life.

And not in the Risk Management forum where they really should be either.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by AGDee

And not in the Risk Management forum where they really should be either.

Maybe Harry got de-Baaled.

ETA: Lily, you say in your first post back in March that you're new to the Greek community, but for someone "new" you 1) seem to have knowledge beyond that of the typical college student (i.e. talking about the 1990s Greek recession) 2) seem awfully focused on the negative in Greek life with none of the happiness and positivity new members of a GLO usually have. Seriously, who are you and what's your deal?

[Jen]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Maybe Harry got de-Baaled.

Just what I was thinking!