New Brunswick, New Jersey – A Rutgers University student, 19, was critically injured early Wednesday morning in an incident that university and local authorities are investigating to determine if hazing was involved. The student was found unresponsive when university police officers responded to a disconnected 911 call shortly before 12:30 a.m. near the flagship campus.
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the student was immediately transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Officials have not publicly released the student’s name, citing privacy concerns. Investigators are working to gather details about the circumstances that led to the incident.
University officials acted quickly after the incident, ordering the involved fraternity chapter to cease all operations. The chapter is now under social probation until November 3 and organizational disciplinary probation through May 18. These measures aim to prevent further activity while the investigation continues.
Alpha Sigma Phi, the national fraternity associated with the chapter, announced it has suspended operations at Rutgers and is conducting its own internal review. Fraternity President and CEO Gordy Heminger said the organization is actively investigating whether hazing was a factor in the student’s critical injuries.
Heminger emphasized that if it is determined by the fraternity, Rutgers University, or law enforcement that hazing occurred, the chapter will be closed permanently. Additionally, any members found directly or indirectly involved would face permanent expulsion, and the fraternity would support full legal penalties as allowed.
The fraternity has a longstanding policy of zero tolerance for hazing. Heminger stated that Rutgers’ chapter received training on anti-hazing policies just last month. He also noted that all chapters are routinely educated about the fraternity’s strict rules against such activities.
University and fraternity officials have expressed concern and support for the student and his family. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the young man in the hospital and his family,” Heminger said in a statement. Both the university and fraternity stress that safety and accountability are their highest priorities.
Law enforcement authorities, including Rutgers University Police and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. The prosecutors office asked anyone with information that may aid the investigation to come forward and assist detectives in determining the events of that evening.
Attempts to reach representatives from the Rutgers fraternity chapter for comment were unsuccessful. University spokespersons also did not immediately respond to requests for statements regarding disciplinary measures, ongoing investigations, or potential outcomes for involved members.
The incident has sparked renewed attention on campus safety and the dangers of hazing. University officials, national fraternity representatives, and law enforcement continue to investigate, and any findings will determine the chapter’s future, potential sanctions, and accountability measures for individual members.