A criminal investigation has been launched at Texas A&M University in response to a severe hazing incident that resulted in multiple fraternity pledges being hospitalized. The incident, which occurred on September 14 at the Kappa Sigma Lodge in College Station, led to the suspension of the fraternity chapter involved. The victims reported symptoms such as difficulty walking and unusually dark urine. The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office is spearheading the investigation.
The new members of Kappa Sigma were reportedly taken to a secluded off-campus location and made to participate in intense physical activity until they were exhausted. The exercise, carried out in dark, unsanitary conditions, was so demanding that some participants allegedly lost consciousness.
One of the victims, who wished to remain unidentified, shared his experience with the media. He detailed how they were commanded to perform squats in a group, with fraternity members yelling at them. The exercise was repeated hundreds of times in muddy, dark conditions, with lights being flashed in their faces. The victim reported feeling dizzy, vomiting, and being unable to move his legs after the ordeal. He also noted that his urine was unusually dark following the incident.
The victim also claimed that fraternity leaders instructed those who sought medical attention in the days following the incident to visit different hospitals and mislead doctors about the cause of their injuries. While not officially confirmed, the victim believes many of his fellow pledges were diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a serious and potentially fatal muscle injury. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists dark urine, muscle soreness, and exhaustion as symptoms of this condition.
In response to the allegations, Bradley Bailey, Kappa Sigma’s executive director, issued a statement. He confirmed that the fraternity was aware of the incident involving their Texas A&M University Chapter and that any member found to have violated the fraternity’s Code of Conduct, which explicitly prohibits hazing, would be held accountable. He also stated that the chapter’s operations at the university have been suspended pending an investigation.
The university has also responded to the allegations, stating that it does not condone hazing and takes such allegations seriously. The university is currently investigating the allegations for potential violations of the Student Conduct Code and has pledged full cooperation with any law enforcement investigations related to the incident.
This is not the first time Kappa Sigma has faced hazing allegations. In 2018, two members of the fraternity at Texas Christian University were arrested after a pledge was hospitalized due to excessive alcohol consumption.