Tag: Kappa Sigma

Judge Recuses Self from WVU Student Hazing Death Case

A judge has recused himself from a hazing case stemming from a West Virginia University student’s death.

The Dominion Post reports that Monongalia County Circuit Court Judge Philip Gaujot said he was member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity when he was a college student.

Kappa Sigma members Jordan Hawkins of Hightstown, New Jersey, and Richard William Schwartz of Williamstown, New York, are charged with misdemeanor hazing stemming from the death of 18-year-old Nolan Burch.

Morgantown police say Burch was found unresponsive at the Kappa Sigma house on Nov. 12, 2014, following an initiation ceremony. The freshman from Williamstown, New York died two days later.

Police say Burch’s blood alcohol limit was more than six times the legal driving limit.

Judge Susan Tucker has been appointed to replace Gaujot.

Police: WVU Frat Pledge Drank Heavily Before Death

  Police say a West Virginia University fraternity pledge drank a large amount of alcohol shortly before he died.

Morgantown Police Chief Ed Preston said Tuesday that medical tests showed 18-year-old Nolan Michael Burch’s blood alcohol level was 0.493. That’s more than six times the legal limit of 0.08.

Preston says Burch was among 20 pledges who participated in a Kappa Sigma initiation function on Nov. 12, 2014. Each pledge received a bottle of liquor from a senior member or alumnus of the fraternity.

Burch says Burch became highly intoxicated. Officers were later called to the fraternity house for a medical emergency and found someone performing cardio pulmonary resuscitation on Burch. The Buffalo, New York, resident later died at a Morgantown hospital.

Preston says prosecutors are reviewing the investigation’s findings.

WVU Partially Lifting Greek Activity Ban, Pledging Allowed

  West Virginia University is partially lifting a ban on Greek activity.

Effective Monday, Dean of Students Corey Farris tells the Charleston Daily Mail that fraternities and sororities can restart pledging and initiation procedures.

A moratorium on social events will remain in effect. Students are developing a course of action to address hazing and other issues regarding the Greek organizations.

The university suspended Greek activity following the death of 18-year-old freshman Nolan Burch on Nov. 14, 2014. Burch was found unconscious and not breathing at the Kappa Sigma fraternity house.

Students will return to campus from winter break on Monday.

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