Eight LSU Students Are Arrested Over Fraternity Pledge’s Death

Eight arrest warrants have been issued for students who are Phi Delta Theta fraternity members at Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge in connection with the death last month of a freshman pledge, according to an LSU news release.

The freshman, Maxwell Gruver, died after participating in a fraternity drinking game and consuming alcohol “in excess,” The Advocate reported. An LSU investigation found that Phi Delta Theta’s pledges had been asked questions about the fraternity and had been forced to drink if they answered incorrectly.

All the students were charged with hazing; one was charged with hazing and negligent homicide. Two nonstudents were also charged.

After Mr. Gruver’s death, the university briefly shut down fraternity and sorority activities. F. King Alexander, LSU’s president, established a task force to review Greek life on the campus and to eliminate hazing.