NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – A fraternity chapter at Rutgers University has been permanently closed after a teenager was electrocuted in what authorities are investigating as a hazing incident earlier this month.
The 19-year-old student was found unconscious in the basement of the Alpha Sigma Phi house on Oct. 15 after someone called 911 and immediately hung up. When police arrived at the off-campus residence, they discovered the freshman in critical condition surrounded by exposed electrical wiring and standing water.
Emergency responders rushed the victim to a local hospital where he remained in intensive care for several days. Medical staff worked to stabilize his condition after the severe electrical shock, which prosecutors say could’ve easily been fatal. The student has since improved and is no longer listed in critical condition.
The national Alpha Sigma Phi organization moved quickly to shut down the entire Rutgers chapter on Oct. 22, just one week after the incident. Gordy Heminger, a national spokesman for the fraternity, confirmed they closed the house due to hazing violations but declined to provide specifics about what led to the electrocution.
Local building inspectors condemned the fraternity house shortly after the incident, though officials haven’t publicly explained whether the condemnation stemmed from the electrocution itself or other safety issues. Records show the property had racked up numerous code violations over the years, including problems with exposed wiring and blocked emergency exits.
Middlesex County prosecutors are still investigating exactly what happened that October night. They’re trying to determine whether the exposed wires and water in the basement were part of a hazing ritual or if the electrocution was an accident during some other fraternity activity.
Neither university officials nor prosecutors have said whether any fraternity members will face criminal charges. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities interview witnesses and review evidence collected from the basement where the student nearly died.
Rutgers University released a brief statement saying they’re cooperating fully with law enforcement and have zero tolerance for hazing. The school didn’t address whether any students have been suspended or expelled in connection with the case.
The victim’s identity hasn’t been released, and his family has not made any public statements. The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office continues gathering evidence to determine if charges should be filed against anyone involved in the incident.
