Family of Maxwell Gruver files lawsuit against LSU, Phi Delta Theta fraternity, seeks $25M damages

The family of Maxwell Gruver has filed a federal lawsuit against the University, the national and local Phi Delta Theta chapters, the company that owns the fraternity house and several former fraternity members. The Gruvers are seeking $25 million in damages and a trial by jury, according to a release from The Max Gruver Foundation.

Maxwell Gruver died of alcohol poisoning on Sept. 14 after being forced to take 10-12 "pulls" of 190-pro0f liquor at a hazing ritual the night before. Three former students, Ryan Isto, Patrick Forde and Sean-Paul Gott all face hazing charges, while Matthew Naquin faces a negligent homicide charge.

The complaint, filed by Gruver's parents, Stephen and Rae Ann Gruver, alleges the University and Phi Delta Theta were aware of hazing and binge drinking within Greek organizations and neglected to take the proper measures that could have prevented Maxwell's death. The complaint says the University treated alleged hazing in sororities with harsh punishments, but did little to combat responses to hazing in fraternities, according to the release.

"LSU’s policy and practice meant that a sorority accused of hazing its pledges by making them sing songs and do sit-ups and putting whipped cream, syrup and eggs in their hair was given “Total Probation” by LSU – the most severe sanction LSU can impose, short of rescinding its recognition of the sorority," the release said." While Phi Delt’s chapter, which admitted to hazing in 2016, was only placed on interim suspension for a month."

Read more: http://www.lsunow.com/daily/family-of-maxwell-gruver-files-lawsuit-against-lsu-phi-delta/article_e920e562-a190-11e8-b76a-cbabf66132bd.html