Northeast

Deadly wake-up call: Alleged frat hazing electrocution highlights student dangers in off-campus homes

Published

4 months ago

November 12, 2025

Deadly wake-up call: Alleged frat hazing electrocution highlights student dangers in off-campus homes

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A New Jersey college student’s reported electrocution stemming from what authorities believe to be tied to an alleged hazing incident has raised new questions regarding safety concerns within off-campus housing at universities around the country.

Earlier this month, a 19-year-old Rutgers University student was taken to the hospital in critical condition after being electrically shocked inside an off-campus Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity house during an alleged hazing incident, according to NJ.com. A second student was also reportedly injured by an electrical current after attempting to pull the victim away from the wire, a parent of a fraternity member told the outlet.

In response to the allegations, Alpha Sigma Phi’s national organization made the decision to permanently ban the university’s chapter from campus, effectively shuttering the College Avenue house’s doors.

FRATERNITY SUSPENDED AFTER POSSIBLE HAZING LEAVES UNIVERSITY STUDENT IN CRITICAL CONDITION: REPORT

The Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity house at 106 College Avenue, where a 19-year-old Rutgers University student was seriously injured on October 15, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. (Tanya Breen/Asbury Park Press via USA Today)

“Based on our information, we determined that the chapter violated multiple parts of the Fraternity’s Health and Safety guidelines that evening,” Gordy Heminger, president and CEO of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, Inc., said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “Had the chapter not been hazing the new members that evening, we do not believe any injuries would have occurred. As a result of the investigation, the chapter is now closed.”

Following an institutional review, Rutgers has also placed the fraternity under a cease and desist order and organizational disciplinary probation.

While investigators are still working to piece together the events that led to one student being hospitalized, questions surrounding the safety of off-campus Greek life housing – and the risks of potential hazing – have started to emerge.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY ON LOCKDOWN AFTER REPORTED DORM SHOOTING ON CAMPUS

A 19-year-old student was hospitalized in critical condition after being found unresponsive at an Alpha Sigma Phi chapter’s off-campus house at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. (iStock)

“There is a feeling and an expectation from parents that the university has greater control over these off-campus, privately owned housing options,” David Stollman, president of Campuspeak, told Fox News Digital. “I think a constant expectation that parents have is that there’s greater control than the university may actually have.”

Currently, regulations involving a university’s liability for incidents that occur in off-campus student housing are left up to each individual organization, with some schools weighing the benefits – and risks – of providing oversight for the homes.

“Campus attorneys have different opinions,” Stollman said. “Some believe and direct their university to say it’s better that we know and we do all that we can to add a layer of protection. Others say if we add that layer of protection, the university is then responsible.”

FRATERNITY HAZING DEATHS HAPPEN TO ‘GOOD KIDS FROM GOOD FAMILIES,’ VICTIM’S FATHER WARNS AMID RUSH SEASON

Alpha Sigma Phi’s Rutgers University chapter has been permanently banned as authorities work to determine the cause of the student’s injuries, according to officials. (iStock)

Within days of the alleged hazing incident, Alpha Sigma Phi’s chapter house in New Brunswick was declared uninhabitable after it was revealed that the property had a history of failed inspections and a $10,000 fine issued earlier this year, according to records obtained by Fox News Digital.

Inspection records dating back to 2014 show a string of code violations, with officials documenting numerous hazards – including structural neglect and fire safety issues – beginning in 2020.

In 2023, inspectors discovered missing carbon monoxide alarms, broken door hardware, damaged flooring and exterior garbage buildup. One year later, many of the violations were still present when officials returned to the home, resulting in a $10,000 fine.

RUTGERS CHANCELLOR LAUNCHES SAFETY REVIEW, ‘ACADEMIC FREEDOM’ TASK FORCE AMID ‘DR ANTIFA’ UPROAR

After a 19-year-old Rutgers University fraternity member was critically injured in an alleged hazing incident, experts are raising questions regarding liability for off-campus residences’ safety violations. (iStock)

Another inspection in May 2025 uncovered 50 reported problems, including open wiring, structural damage, blocked fire escapes and pest infestations, according to documents obtained by Fox News Digital.

Less than one month before the student was critically injured, the Department of Community Affairs confiscated the property’s certificate of inspection. Days later, a reinspection report indicated the house had at least 19 remaining violations, including several life-safety issues involving broken carbon monoxide detectors and blocked exits.

The home is owned by the Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity and managed by the organization’s national housing arm, CLVEN, according to property records.

FAMILY OF COLLEGE STUDENT WHO DIED IN NASHVILLE FILES WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUIT AGAINST FRATERNITY

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Heminger insisted that any maintenance issues submitted to CLVEN were resolved in a timely manner, and “over 200 minutes of virtual housing meetings with undergraduates this academic year were reviewed, and there was never any mention of electrical/life safety issues in the house by any of the undergraduates.”

“Sadly, the undergraduates and – or – their guests committed a lot of documented damage to the chapter house,” Heminger said.

Additionally, Rutgers “has no involvement” in the oversight of the property, a university spokesperson said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

An unsafe structure notice hangs on the front door of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity house at 106 College Avenue, where a 19-year-old Rutgers University student was seriously injured on October 15, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. (Tanya Breen/Asbury Park Press via USA Today)

According to Stollman, many off-campus Greek life homes are either managed by the local or national chapter, or rented from a third-party landlord – with many organizations preferring local alumni to universities when it comes to safety evaluations.

“There’s risk to the university if they go through and certify those houses,” Stollman told Fox News Digital. “Because if they certify something is safe and it’s not, then I as a parent would look to them and say, ‘Wait a minute, you told me this was safe.’”

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However, Stollman insists that universities with such housing situations should provide increased transparency to parents regarding their involvement in ensuring the safety of students.

“It would be great if a parent can help their student shop for where they want to live off-campus by some of that transparency,” Stollman said. “[With] the university bringing in what violations the city has put forth, even if the university isn’t certifying that these violations are accurate or inaccurate.”

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office is currently investigating to determine if criminal charges can be brought against any of the students found to be involved in the incident, according to Rutgers.

The victim is currently recovering from his injuries and is still receiving treatment, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to Fox News Digital.

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As Greek life remains a solidified tradition throughout the country’s higher education system, Stollman implores families to do their research regarding their student’s off-campus housing options while prioritizing safety and transparency.

“Off-campus rental properties for students is a big business,” Stollman said.

“There are a lot of companies who have invested greatly in those big college towns, especially. [Families should] look at what these companies are putting forward in their leases, and what they’re putting forward in their protections of students. So it’s a tough situation, it’s really [about] what you can find out and how you can make decisions as early as possible.”

Julia Bonavita is a U.S. Writer for Fox News Digital and a Fox Flight Team drone pilot. You can follow her at @juliabonavita13 on all platforms and send story tips to julia.bonavita@fox.com.

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Northeast

Family claims casino staff mistook veteran’s illness for intoxication, delaying care before his death

Published

4 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Family claims casino staff mistook veteran’s illness for intoxication, delaying care before his death

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A “proud veteran of the U.S. Army” died after suffering a medical emergency while visiting Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip, where, according to a lawsuit, employees and security guards allegedly “presumed, incorrectly” that he was drunk and called him an Uber instead of seeking medical help.

According to a wrongful-death complaint obtained by the Las Vegas Review Journal, 64-year-old Gary Perrin was gambling at Caesars Palace in November 2024 when he began exhibiting “visible signs” of an undisclosed illness. The symptoms allegedly included “sudden onset of sweating, double vision, dizziness and vomiting.”

“Due to, but not limited to, a lack of training, a lack of supervision, laziness, being overworked and tired, profiling, and or a lack of policies and procedures, it was presumed, incorrectly, that Perrin was intoxicated,” the complaint read.

U.S. Army veteran Gary Perrin’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Caesars Palace, claiming casino workers allegedly failed to provide medical attention in November 2024. (Care Cremation & Burial )

Workers decided to “call an Uber/Lyft instead of onsite paramedics or EMR transport” for Perrin, leading to a “critical delay of medical care that ultimately led to, caused, or contributed substantially to his death” weeks later, the lawsuit claimed.

Perrin’s family said that the casino had knowledge of the victim’s serious illness, and yet “did not render immediate and/or reasonable medical attention nor did they take steps to call for medical attention.”

Caesars Palace hotel and casino in Las Vegas. (Bridget Bennett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

In the lawsuit, Perrin’s family did not disclose how he died but said the employees’ decision to call a rideshare over an ambulance allegedly led to “severe injuries, including but not limited [to] surgical scars and disfigurement, pain and suffering, and loss of life.”

His family is seeking $15,000 from the iconic Las Vegas strip resort, according to the lawsuit.

Aerial view of Las Vegas Strip. A 64-year-old U.S. Army veteran died after suffering a medical emergency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, where a lawsuit alleges staff mistakenly presumed he was drunk and called a rideshare instead of paramedics. (iStock)

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An obituary for Perrin describes him as a proud veteran who served for four years and then worked for UPS.

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He retired from the shipping company after 29 years of “dedicated service,” then worked as an assistant to the dean of students and football coach at Goffstown High School in New Hampshire. In his later years, he also worked as a driver at the Maher Center in Middletown, Rhode Island, until his death.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Caesars for comment.

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New York

How a Parks Worker Lives on $37,500 in Tompkinsville, Staten Island

Published

5 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

How a Parks Worker Lives on ,500 in Tompkinsville, Staten Island

How can people possibly afford to live in one of the most expensive cities on the planet? It’s a question New Yorkers hear a lot, often delivered with a mix of awe, pity and confusion.

We surveyed hundreds of New Yorkers about how they spend, splurge and save. We found that many people — rich, poor or somewhere in between — live life as a series of small calculations that add up to one big question: What makes living in New York worth it?

Sara Robinson boarded a Greyhound bus from Oregon to New York City to attend Hunter College in the early 2000s, bright-eyed and eager to pick up odd jobs to fuel her dream of living there.

For a long time, she made it work. But recently, that has been more challenging than ever.

Right around her 40th birthday, Ms. Robinson began to feel financially squeezed in Brooklyn, where she had lived for years. Ms. Robinson (no relation to this reporter) was also feeling too grown to live with roommates.

“As a child,” she said, “you don’t think you’re going to have a roommate at 40.” She decided to move into a place of her own: a one-bedroom apartment in the Tompkinsville neighborhood of Staten Island.

After she moved, the preschool where she’d worked for over a decade closed. Now, she works two jobs. She is a seasonal employee for the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, working from Tuesday to Saturday. And on Monday nights, she sells concessions at the West Village movie theater Film Forum, which pays $25 an hour plus tips.

Ms. Robinson, now 45, loves her job as an environmental educator at a state park on Staten Island. Her team runs the park’s social media accounts and comes up with event programming, like a recent project tapping maple trees to make syrup.

But the role is temporary. Her last stint was from June 2024 to January 2025. Then she was unemployed until August 2025. Ms. Robinson’s current contract will be up in April, unless she gets an extension or a different parks job opens up.

Ms. Robinson’s biweekly pay stubs from the parks department amount to about $1,300 before taxes. She barely felt a difference, she said, while she was out of work and pocketing around $880 every two weeks from her unemployment checks. (Her previous parks gig paid $1,100 a check.)

Living in New York’s Greenest Borough

“It used to be, ‘There’s no way I’m moving to Staten Island,’” Ms. Robinson said. “But the place is close to the water. I’m three minutes from the ferry. The rest is history.” She lives on the third floor of a multifamily house, above an art studio and another tenant. Her rent is $1,600 a month, plus $125 in utilities, including her phone bill.

“If my situation changes, I don’t know if I could find something similar,” she said. “So much of my New York life has been feeling trapped to an apartment. You get a place for a good price, and you’re like, ‘I can’t leave now.’”

Staten Island is convenient for Ms. Robinson’s parks job, but it’s become harder to justify living in a borough where she knows few people. It takes more than an hour to get to friends in Brooklyn, an especially hard trek during the winter. After four years of living on Staten Island, Ms. Robinson feels somewhat isolated.

“All my friends on Staten Island are senior citizens,” she said. “It’s great. I love it. But I do want friends closer to my age.”

One of Ms. Robinson’s friends, Ray, took her on nature walks and taught her about tree identification, sparking an interest in mycology, the study of mushrooms. This led to a productive — and free — fungi foraging hobby during unemployment. She has found all sorts of mushrooms, including, after a month of searching, the elusive morel.

The Budgeting Game

Ms. Robinson doesn’t update her furniture often, but when she does, she shops stoop sales in Park Slope or other parts of Brooklyn.

“It’s like a treasure hunt,” she said. “You could make a whole apartment off the street, off the stuff that people throw away.”

She also makes a game out of grocery shopping, biking to Sunset Park in Brooklyn or Manhattan’s Chinatown to go to stores where there are better deals. She budgets about $300 for groceries each month.

Ms. Robinson bikes almost everywhere, sometimes traveling a little farther to enter the Staten Island Railway at one of the stations that don’t charge a fare. She spends $80 a month on subway and ferry fares, and $5 a month for a discounted Citi Bike membership she gets through a credit union, though she usually uses her own bike. She is handy and does repairs herself.

There are certain splurges — Ms. Robinson drops $400 once or twice a year on round-trip airfare to Seattle, where her family lives. She also spent $100 last year to see a concert at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens.

She said she has many financial saving graces. She has no student loans and no car to make payments on. She doesn’t get health insurance from her jobs, but she qualifies for Medicaid.

She mostly eats at home, though sometimes friends will treat her to dinner. She repays them with tickets to Film Forum movies.

Nothing Beats the Twinkling Lights

Ms. Robinson’s friends often talk about leaving the city — and the country.

Two friends have their eyes set on Sweden, where they hope to get the affordable child care and social safety net they are struggling to access in New York.

Ms. Robinson can’t see herself moving elsewhere in the United States, but she is entertaining the idea of an international move if she can’t hack it on Staten Island.

Yet the pull of the city is hard for her to resist.

“I just get a rush when I’m riding the Staten Island Ferry across the bay,” she said. “You see all the little twinkling lights. It’s this feeling of, ‘everything is possible here.’”

That feeling, plus the many friendly faces Ms. Robinson sees every day — the ferry operators, the conductors on the Staten Island Railway, her co-workers at Film Forum — are what tie her to New York.

“My savings are not increasing, so there’s that,” she said. “But I’ve been OK so far. I think I’m going to figure it out.”

Boston, MA

‘We’re honoring Black excellence’: Mass. celebrates leaders of color

Published

6 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

‘We’re honoring Black excellence’: Mass. celebrates leaders of color

Applause and music echoed through the Hall of Flags at the Massachusetts State House Friday as lawmakers and community leaders gathered for the Black Excellence on the Hill and the Latino Excellence Awards.

The ceremony celebrates Black and brown residents committed to advancing economic equity.

“We’re honoring Black excellence,” said state Rep. Chris Worrell. “When we look at today, this is what it should look like. This is our house. Black people built this house, literally and figuratively.”

Honorees ranged from attorneys to former professional athletes. Nicole M. Bluefort of the Law Offices of Nicole Bluefort said she plans to use her platform to uplift others.

“I will use my advocacy skills as an attorney to move people forward,” she said.

Former NBA player Wayne Seldan Jr. talked about his journey from McDonald’s All American to a full scholarship at Kansas and a professional career.

“You always want to keep striving for continued betterment and for stuff to grow,” he said. “I don’t think there should be mountaintops. I think we should always be striving to keep building.”

The keynote address was delivered by Michelle Brown, mother of Jaylen Brown, who spoke about raising two children as a single mother and the importance of faith, discipline and education.

“There are no shortcuts. There are no guarantees,” she said. “There was faith, there was discipline, and there was a deep belief that education created mobility.”

Speakers emphasized that mobility is strengthened when communities work together for a common good. Bluefort highlighted the importance of mentorship and shared opportunity, while state Rep. Sally Kerans encouraged attendees to stand together across racial lines.

“In this moment, stand with others. Speak up. Don’t be afraid to say ‘That’s not normal.’ Be allies. Be supportive,” Kerans said.

Organizers said the ceremony was not only about recognition, but also about sustaining progress — encouraging leaders and residents alike to continue building toward a more equitable future.

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