BREAKING: A Texas A&M fraternity has been suspended following serious hazing allegations that have prompted an urgent investigation by the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office. The incident reportedly occurred on September 14, 2023, involving the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, raising alarm over the safety of new members, known as pledges.
Authorities were alerted on Sunday about the possible hazing event, where pledges were allegedly subjected to extreme physical activities at an off-campus location. Reports indicate that at least one pledge required medical attention due to injuries sustained during the event, and several others were hospitalized for severe conditions, including rhabdomyolysis, characterized by muscle damage.
According to eyewitness accounts from an unnamed victim shared with NBC News Affiliate KPRC, the pledges were forced to undergo an “almost torturous” workout routine at the Kappa Sigma Lodge. “You have to put your hands on your heels and squat all as a group,” the victim described, detailing a harrowing experience of multiple squats while being yelled at and subjected to bright lights, which left many feeling dizzy and vomiting.
The aftermath has been dire, with pledges reporting they could barely walk and experiencing alarming symptoms, including dark urine. Disturbingly, fraternity members allegedly instructed those needing medical help to visit different hospitals and mislead doctors about their injuries.
In a strong statement, Bradley Bailey, Executive Director of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, emphasized that any member found in violation of the fraternity’s strict anti-hazing Code of Conduct would be held accountable. “Any member found to violate the Fraternity’s Code of Conduct, which strictly forbids hazing, will be held accountable,” Bailey confirmed.
The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking additional victims or witnesses to come forward with more information about the event. The gravity of the situation has raised concerns about the culture of hazing in fraternities, with one victim expressing, “If nothing changes, someone’s gonna die. The main thing has to be that this never happens again.”
This developing story highlights the urgent need for reforms in fraternity practices and accountability measures to protect students. Further updates will follow as the investigation unfolds and authorities continue to gather evidence from the pledges and witnesses involved in this alarming incident.
