Texas State University has suspended all greek life activities following the death of Matt Ellis, a fraternity pledge who was found dead after an initiation ritual.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the university, school officials said that Ellis was found unresponsive on Monday morning at an off-campus apartment following a fraternity event.
Ellis, the 20-year-old sophomore from Humble, Texas, attended an off-campus social event at the Phi Kappa Psi apartment on Sunday and was found unresponsive on Monday morning. He was declared dead just before 12:30 PM on Monday after EMS were unable to revive him.
Kelly Bomersbach of the San Marcos Police Department said that it’s unclear if hazing played a role in Ellis’ death.
via NBC News:
It’s unclear if the event was hosted by members of one fraternity or different fraternities.
An autopsy on Ellis has been ordered, but a preliminary investigation suggested alcohol was a factor in the business administration major’s death.
“As a result of this tragedy, I have suspended activities of all Greek fraternity and sorority chapters at Texas State. These chapters are prohibited from holding new-member events, chapter meetings, social functions, and philanthropic activities until a thorough review of the Greek Affairs system is completed,” Texas State President Denise M. Traut said in a statement.
Ellis was studying business management at Texas State University.
The university’s Vice President of Student Affairs said that the school will immediately initiate a review of the school’s Greek system. Following their review, the Office of Student Affairs will propose recommendations for reinstating fraternity and sorority chapters that “demonstrate a commitment to the core values of Texas State and the ideals established by their respective national organizations”.
Texas State University now joins schools like Florida State University, Louisiana State University, and the University of Michigan, which have both suspended their Greek life programs following the deaths of new fraternity members.
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