advertisement

Defendants added to suit in NIU hazing death

Sixteen women have been added as defendants to a lawsuit filed by the family of David Bogenberger, a Northern Illinois University freshman from Palatine who died of alcohol poisoning Nov. 2 after a hazing ritual, according to the family’s attorney.

The women join Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity and several of its members as defendants in the lawsuit.

The amended complaint was filed Friday in Cook County, alleging the women took part in the fraternity initiation ritual Nov. 1 and 2 that caused the 19-year-old Palatine High School graduate’s death.

The lawsuit seeks in excess of $100,000 in damages and additional costs.

Five officers of Pi Kappa Alpha are facing felony hazing charges, with 17 other members charged with misdemeanor hazing.

The Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity issued a statement in February saying the fraternity maintains standards with respect to alcohol and hazing, and it’s suspended NIU’s Kappa Alpha Eta Nu Chapter and its former undergraduate members.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.