Pitt Student Taken To Hospital After Excessive Drinking At Frat Event

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PITTSBURGH (AP) - The University of Pittsburgh says a student hospitalized in an "alcohol-related incident" that prompted the suspension of a fraternity was taken to a hospital by friends who determined that he had consumed excessive amounts of alcohol.

The university said "We are grateful that this member of our Pitt family is now safe."

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Officials said the incident happened at a Sigma Chi function held off campus last week. It occurred "during recruitment activities, which are expected to be free of alcohol."

Students on campus told KDKA there were 27 potential pledges at the Sigma Chi event, and there were reportedly seven half-gallon bottles of alcohol at the event. There are 40 shots in a half-gallon bottle.

"I've never been in a situation where I have had someone literally shoving alcohol down my throat," senior Courtney Yocabet said. "I think you always have a choice."

The university suspended the fraternity and temporarily barred all Greek life organizations from hosting events with alcohol. Officials say they are working with fraternities and sororities on steps to prevent a recurrence.

"We've cancelled most of our social events until this modified interim social probation is over," student Brian Bevan said. "We're just trying to be respectful for the University as this goes through and they take their time to figure everything out."

Last year, the drinking death of a 19-year-old fraternity pledge at Penn State prompted criminal charges against 26 people.

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