San Diego State suspends 14 fraternities when freshman dies following Phi Gamma Delta event
More than a dozen fraternities at San Diego State University have been suspended after a freshman was hospitalized following an event last week.
The student allegedly attended a fraternity event Wednesday night that required him to receive medical attention the next morning, according to a statement from the university. Details from the event were not disclosed.
The school announced Monday the student has died.
"It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to say that Dylan Hernandez, the student who was hospitalized last week, has passed away," SDSU President Adela de la Torre said in a statement. "His family gave their goodbyes late Sunday night. The family has given the university permission today to share this information, and we are working to support them during this incredibly difficult time."
University police responded to a 911 call of a student in need at a residence hall on Thursday morning. After officers provided aid on the scene, the student was transported to an area hospital, police said.
During the course of the investigation, police have uncovered information that alleges the fraternity was "involved in possible misconduct," de la Torre wrote in a letter to students and faculty on Saturday.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the student is a 19-year-old freshman and attended an event at the Phi Gamma Delta house.
In a statement to ABC News, Rob Caudill, spokesman for the fraternity, said, "Phi Gamma Delta is working with the university and local authorities to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we are not in a position to share additional information at this time."
A friend of the student's told San Diego ABC affiliate KGTV that he fell off his bed on the top bunk Wednesday night and hit his head.
The friend went to the residence hall after the victim's roommate called her to help put him back in bed, she said, adding that she didn't think anything was wrong with him at the time.
The next morning, when she went to check on him, he was foaming at the mouth, his lips were purple and his skin was yellowing, she told the station, adding that she had performed CPR on him until first responders arrived.
De la Torre suspended the Interfraternity Council and all chapter organizations under the council "given the severity" of the incident, effective Friday, according to the school. Prior to the student's hospitalization, 10 of the IFC-affiliated fraternities were already under "some type of elevated judicial status," which factored into the decision.
Chapters of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the College Panhellenic Association or the United Sorority and Fraternity Council or their affiliates will not be affected.
De la Torre has asked those who have information about the case to come forward to police.
