Lawsuit University Hazing Death Case Details
A deceased High Point University student’s family has filed a lawsuit against the university, Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, the fraternity’s director of security and two frat members. The family is seeking justice for their son, Robert Eugene Tipton Jr., who was allegedly killed by violent assault and battery during a hazing ritual in March 2012. The Lawsuit University Hazing Death claim includes damages in excess of $10,000.
Incident Details
According to the victim’s family, university officials knew Delta Sigma Phi fraternity exhibited “extreme and outrageous conduct,” but they did nothing to stop it. That’s why the Tipton family is suing the university for its involvement in the student’s death two years ago.
The 22-year-old was found not breathing in an off-campus apartment on March 26, 2012. His head, neck and torso were marred by abrasions, and an autopsy revealed that the cause of death was due to a painkiller drug overdose.
In an effort to get answers, Tipton’s mother later commissioned a private investigation, from which it was determined that the young man’s death was caused by “aspiration of gastrointestinal contents” resulting from a concussion sustained during the hazing ritual.
The Lawsuit
Along with the university, fraternity and fraternity director Jeffery A. Karpovich, two frat members are being charged in the lawsuit. The first is the alleged “pledge master,” who the lawsuit states is the university president’s own son, Michael Qubein. The second is Marshall Jefferson, the student accused of violently assaulting and battering Tipton.
In response to the allegations made against his son, University President Dr. Nido R. Qubein stated in writing that “nothing is further from the truth.” The university believes the lawsuit is unfounded and added only that they “remain saddened by the loss of Robert.”
When another person or organization’s negligence results in the death of a loved one, a personal injury or negligence claim may be appropriate. Contact Dallas–Fort Worth lawyers at Frenkel & Frenkel to schedule a free initial consultation regarding an incident where injuries or death may have been caused by negligence.