A possible Louisiana State University hazing death led to the suspension of all Greek activities on the campus Thursday after the death of freshman Maxwell Gruver, who was taken to the hospital from the Phi Delta Theta fraternity house Wednesday night.
A cause of death wasn't confirmed, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported, but Gruver, 18, was pronounced dead at Our Lady of the Lake hospital Thursday.
Gruver was reportedly seeking membership at Phi Delta Theta. LSU President F. King Alexander said an investigation into his death is ongoing.
"There are allegations that Maxwell’s death was related to hazing, but I want to emphasize this is an evolving situation," Alexander said during a news conference Thursday evening in Baton Rouge, according to the AJC. "We are investigating this matter with the utmost seriousness."
Recruitment at fraternities and sororities ended last month at LSU, The New York Times reported. Phi Delta Theta suspended the university's chapter in the wake of Gruver's death.
"We’re committed to investigating this situation thoroughly," Bob Biggs, the chief executive at Phi Delta Theta, said, according to the Times. "The chapter and any individuals who are found to have violated our policies will be held accountable."
Alexander said that while the details surrounding Gruver's death remain under investigation, "hazing is dangerous, irresponsible and unacceptable, and it will not be tolerated at LSU, period," The Times-Picayune reported.
In recent years, universities and Greek organizations nationwide have cracked down on hazing, an initiation practice that involves humiliation and torture. In February, Penn State sophomore Tim Piazza died in a hazing-related incident when he was forced to consume large amounts of alcohol.
The Daily Reveille, LSU's weekly student newspaper, posted a video of a university press conference regarding the death on Facebook.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.