San Diego State Suspends 14 Campus Fraternities After Freshman's Death

Arizona v San Diego State

San Diego State University has suspended fourteen fraternities after the death of a 19-year-old freshman at a frat party last week, university officials said.

In a letter sent to all students, faculty and staff at the university, SDSU President Adela de la Torre said he was "devastated" to learn that Dylan Hernandez, 19, had died after attending a fraternity event on Nov. 6. de la Torre said an investigation by the San Diego Police Department revealed information that alleged one of the fraternities had been involved in "possible misconduct."

"With this information, I made an executive decision to suspend the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and each of its organizations — 14 in total." de la Torre wrote. "The university will keep the organizations under suspension while it considers next steps. Each of us, including our students, must uphold the highest standards that do not put the health and 1 safety of anyone at risk. As I know there may be confusion or concern among members of our community, I urge students, faculty and staff who may need assistance during this difficult time to reach out for support."

de la Torre did not specify what may have caused Hernandez's hospitalization or death, however, CBS, citing witnesses, reports that Hernandez was in his dorm room when he fell off his bunk bed and hit his head after attending the party. Hernandez's roommate found him unconscious without a pulse and called 911. Several other students reported seeing the 19-year-old freshman drinking heavily at the party.

It remains unclear what role, if any, alcohol played in Hernandez's death.

According to a GoFundMe page set up by friends of the family, Hernandez was a 19 year old graduate from Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville, Florida.

"Dylan was an outgoing, light-hearted and goofy person who had so much love to give to everyone he met," a GoFundMe page set up by friends of the family says. "He never failed to make everyone in the room smile and his laugh was infectious." 

The suspended fraternities include:  Alpha Epsilon Pi, Delta Sigma Phi, Delta Upsilon, Kappa Alpha Order, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Gamma Delta, Phi Kappa Psi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Theta Chi and Zeta Beta Tau. Other campus Greek organizations are not affected by the suspension, university officials said.

Photo: Getty Images


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content