Family of Lenoir-Rhyne University Student Killed in Fraternity Activity Intends to File North Carolina Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The relatives of Harrison Kowiak, a 19-year-old Lenoir-Rhyne University student who died after getting hurt during what they are calling a fraternity hazing activity, say they plan to file a North Carolina wrongful death lawsuit. Kowiak died in November while pledging to join the Theta Chi Fraternity.
During the initiation, which took place off campus late at night on Buffalo Farm, Kowiak reportedly was knocked to the ground a number of times and struck his head. According to witnesses, the college sophomore became disoriented and appeared to lose some of his movement ability.
Fraternity members transported Kowiak to a local hospital before he was flown to Charlotte where he was admitted to Carolinas Medical Center. The 19-year-old passed away the next day.
Following the incident, the Theta Chi Fraternity’s international headquarters executive director said that Kowiak did not sustain his head injury during a hazing activity, but that the accident occurred during an optional team-building exercise.
Hazing
Hazing is an initiation process practiced by many US fraternities and sororities. Unfortunately, many hazing activities can be degrading, dangerous, or physically abusive—especially among fraternities. Hazing activities have included:
• Verbal abuse
• Sleep deprivation
• Making a pledge eat a disgusting substance
• Beatings
• Binge drinking
In North Carolina, hazing is illegal. Victims injured during hazing incidents, as well as their families, may have grounds to file a premises liabilityclaim or wrongful death lawsuit against all liable parties.
Lenoir-Rhyne family plans wrongful-death suit, Charlotte Observer, January 16, 2009
Tampa Teen Got Fatal Head Injury During Frat Initiation, TBO.com, November 20, 2009
Related Web Resources:
North Carolina Hazing Law, StopHazing.org
