Eight men have been charged in the hazing death of an Ohio fraternity pledge who was found unconscious after an off-campus party, prosecutors said Thursday.
The suspects were indicted on charges ranging from involuntary manslaughter to hazing in the death of Bowling Green State University sophomore Stone Foltz in March.
Foltz, 20, died three days after he and other students pledging the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity were encouraged to finish an entire bottle of alcohol at a March 4 party, university officials have said.
He was dropped off at his apartment by fraternity brothers and his roommate later found him unconscious, according to an attorney for Foltz’s family.
He was brought to the hospital, where he was placed on life support and later died.
Six of the people indicted were charged with involuntary manslaughter, which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison, prosecutors said.
Reckless homicide, felonious assault, hazing, violating underage alcohol laws and obstructing official business are among some of the other charges.
It’s unclear what the relationships are between the fraternity and the eight indicted — who range in age from 19 to 23.
They were identified as Jacob Krinn, 20; Daylen Dunson, 20; Troy Henricksen, 23, Canyon Caldwell, 21, Niall Sweeney, 21; Jarrett Prizel, 19; Aaron Lehane, 21; and Benjamin Boyers, 21, news station WTOL reported.
In a statement through their lawyers, Foltz’s family called the charges a “step in the right direction.”
“We are grateful for all of the hard work conducted by local law enforcement and the Prosecutor’s office, and we are confident they will make sure justice is served,” they said.
“However, today is just one step in the right direction. Swift action also needs to be taken by government officials and university presidents nationwide to abolish fraternity hazing.”
WIth Post wires
