Parents sue fraternity, university over son's death in hazing ritual
The parents of a Prairie View A&M University student are suing the fraternity whose hazing ritual allegedly caused their son’s death.
According to the wrongful death lawsuit, 20-year-old Donnie Wade Jr, died as the result of a hazing ritual orchestrated by the fraternity Phi Beta Sigma. The hazing took place over a three week period beginning in September and lasting until October 20th, the date of Wade’s death.
In addition to the fraternity, the wrongful-death lawsuit also names Prairie View A&M as a defendant.
Wade collapsed during an early morning workout on a track at nearby Hempstead High School. Wade apparently fainted after exercises that included running laps, doing push-ups and climbing the bleachers, among other rigorous exercises. He later died.
No one call 911 after Wade collapsed. A bystander offered to help and was turned away by the fraternity’s dean of pledging. Wade was required to continue working out.
According to the lawsuit, the workout was one part of a series of hazing rituals to which Wade was subjected. Other aspects of the hazing included beatings with paddles, doing chores and paying for fraternity members’ food, as well as a strict bread and water diet.
Wade’s parents are seeking nearly $100 million in damages in their Texas wrongful death lawsuit.
Both the police and the university are continuing to investigate Wade’s deaths.
In response to the incident, the university has suspended all pledging and membership activities of all campus organizations.
To read more about this Texas wrongful death lawsuit, click here for the complete story.
If you have lost a loved one due to someone’s wrongful actions, contact Fears | Nachawati today for free legal advice. To speak with one of our wrongful death attorneys, simply email us at info@fnlawfirm.com or call our toll-free number at 1.866.705.7584.
