Update #2: Nolan Burch has died, according to WVU President Gordon Gee.
Update: Kappa Sigma Nationals has confirmed that they suspended the WVU chapter for “other violations.”
West Virginia University officials have suspended all Greek Life indefinitely after a series of unfortunate events–culminating in an 18-year-old freshman student being found unconscious and not breathing in the Kappa Sigma fraternity house on Wednesday night at 11:52 PM. At the time this article was written, it’s believed that the student, Nolan Burch, is still in critical condition. We’re hoping that he pulls through. More on that below.
This sad incident comes hot on the heels of numerous WVU fraternity transgressions.
• Last week, Sigma Chi’s pledges were arrested or cited with underage possession of alcohol for a “street brawl” that occured at 1:30 AM. They initially identified themselves as members of a rival fraternity, and now potentially face obstruction of justice charges. Bold move, but not a smart one.
• Phi Kappa Psi’s charter was suspended by nationals last year for a hazing incident.
• Currently it’s rumored that a few other fraternities were already on the very very hot seat for multiple hazing violations.
Which brings us back to Kappa Sigma and Nolan Burch. There are rumors on the web right now that he’s passed away, but this hasn’t been confirmed yet. Reliable news sources still indicated that he’s in “critical condition.”
One rumor (which comes from a WVU Redditor on /r/frat) claims that Nolan’s alcohol poisoning is the result of big brother/big sister night, a party which shouldn’t have happened because Kappa Sigma allegedly lost their charter last Saturday. This seems to be the common belief among WVU students speaking out about the event.
The only thing we can tell you that is absolutely true is that Nolan sent out this Tweet the same day he was found unresponsive.
It’s about to be a very eventful night to say the least
— Nolan Burch (@NolanBurch9) November 12, 2014
We speak for everyone when we say that hopefully Nolan can pull through. Please be careful out there when you’re partying.
