Nearly a month after University of Maryland student Daniel F. Reardon died following a bid-night party for Phi Sigma Kappa, investigations continue into the events surrounding his death and its implications. Autopsy reports now confirm that Reardon died of acute alcohol intoxication.
Despite the many allegations that Reardon's father, Daniel P. Reardon, is seeking to gain legal retribution, he maintains that he and his family only are concerned that Prince George's County officers are conducting the investigation thoroughly.
Reardon stated that he does not want to sue one particular student but that he wants to know what occurred.
Reardon said he also wants to warn students of the consequences of dangerous alcohol consumption.
"I think it's important you remember that your consequences can cause unbelievable grief and consequences," he said. "And that it can be avoided."
Daniel F. Reardon was found unconscious in the fraternity lounge early Feb. 8. He was taken to Washington Adventist Hospital, just hours after joining the chapter. He remained in an alcohol-induced coma for a week before his family made the decision to remove him from life support.
As the second death in six months to take place on College Park's Fraternity Row, the incident has challenged what is typically viewed as hazing.
The Phi Sigma Kappa's instructor guidebook includes "the unauthorized or illegal use of alcohol in any form or quantity during any new membership activity," as one example of hazing.
The fraternity's national organization revoked the Maryland chapter following Reardon's death.
Though allowed to keep their status as alumni upon graduation, members living in the fraternity house were given two weeks' notice to find new living arrangements.
In addition, fraternity members stand to face charges ranging from hazing to manslaughter.
"If this were a situation here, [President John T.] Casteen [III] would be required by statute to expel the students involved once he was convinced that their actions had caused bodily harm," said Aaron Laushway, assistant dean of students for fraternity and sorority life.
Under both Maryland and Virginia law, the consent of a student does not provide adequate defense against the charge of hazing. The main difference is that the University has its own set of hazing laws apart from Virginia statute.
The University's definition is stricter and more specific, Laushway said.
"Our office receives a fair share of concerns regarding hazing," Laushway said. "But it's not an inordinate number given the size of the system."
Reardon's death has had the effect of making the University's Phi Sigma Kappa chapter more cautious and aware.
"To specially address this type of issue we are instituting a position of risk manager starting this fall to be in charge of party policy and first-aid training," Phi Sigma Kappa President Mitch Seipt said.
The national policy is staying as it is, Seipt added.
U.Va. hasn't seen any alcohol-related or hazing incidents this year.
Read More
Student Council votes to relocate Hereford orchard and basketball hoop
By Lauren Seeliger | 2 hours agoStudent Council passed a resolution Tuesday to relocate the orchard and basketball hoop of Hereford Residential College due to construction in the surrounding area.
Dean Rucker honored with Z Society’s highest honor, Pale Z Award
By Brendon Bordwine | 19 hours agoThe Society has a storied history of honoring University leaders with the Pale Z.
Students receive free STI testing through U.Va. Health and Wellness
By Jackie Bond | YesterdayThrough funding from Student Council, students are now able to receive free STI testing with SHW which includes tests for HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Hepatitis C.
