A criminal probe has been initiated at Texas A&M University following a severe alleged hazing incident that left multiple fraternity pledges hospitalized. Some of the victims were unable to walk, while others reported urine of an unusually dark color. The incident, which led to the suspension of the fraternity chapter involved, reportedly took place on September 14 at the Kappa Sigma Lodge in College Station. The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation.
The new recruits of Kappa Sigma were allegedly taken to an isolated location off-campus and instructed to engage in strenuous physical activity until they reached the point of exhaustion. The workout, conducted in unlit, unsanitary conditions, was so grueling that some participants reportedly lost consciousness.
One of the victims, who chose to remain anonymous, described the ordeal to the media. He explained that they were ordered to squat repeatedly as a group, with fraternity members shouting at them. The exercise was performed hundreds of times, in muddy, dark conditions, with lights being shone in their faces. The victim reported feeling dizzy, vomiting, and being unable to move his legs after the ordeal. He also noted that his urine was unusually dark following the incident.
The victim further alleged that fraternity leaders instructed those who sought medical attention in the days following the incident to visit different hospitals and mislead doctors about the cause of their injuries. While not officially confirmed, the victim believes many of his fellow pledges were diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a serious and potentially fatal muscle injury. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists dark urine, muscle soreness, and exhaustion as symptoms of this condition.
In response to the allegations, Bradley Bailey, Kappa Sigma’s executive director, issued a statement. He confirmed that the fraternity was aware of the incident involving their Texas A&M University Chapter and that any member found to have violated the fraternity’s Code of Conduct, which explicitly prohibits hazing, would be held accountable. He also stated that the chapter’s operations at the university have been suspended pending an investigation.
The university has also responded to the allegations, stating that it does not condone hazing and takes such allegations seriously. The university is currently investigating the allegations for potential violations of the Student Conduct Code and has pledged full cooperation with any law enforcement investigations related to the incident.
This is not the first time Kappa Sigma has faced hazing allegations. In 2018, two members of the fraternity at Texas Christian University were arrested after a pledge was hospitalized due to excessive alcohol consumption.