Hazing Victims in Traverse County, Minnesota: Your Legal Rights and How to Get Justice

This Could Be Happening to Your Child Right Now in Traverse County

Traverse County parents: did you know that the same fraternities responsible for the horrific hazing incident at the University of Houston—where a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure—have active chapters at colleges and universities near Traverse County?

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and other national fraternities operate chapters at institutions across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. The same “traditions” that sent a young man to the hospital in Texas exist right here in our region. Your child could be at risk.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for what happened to Leonel Bermudez. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we’re ready to fight for Traverse County families.

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Traverse County, call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911

What Hazing Looks Like in Traverse County

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless initiation rituals. In Traverse County and across Minnesota, hazing often includes:

✔ Physical abuse – Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
✔ Forced consumption – Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances
✔ Psychological torture – Waterboarding, humiliation, degradation, threats of expulsion
✔ Sleep deprivation – Forced late-night activities, disrupted sleep schedules
✔ Sexual abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
✔ Extreme physical punishment – Hundreds of push-ups, squats, bear crawls, “suicides” (running drills)

The consequences are severe:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
• Alcohol poisoning (potentially fatal)
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Heat stroke or hypothermia
• PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Death

This isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. And it’s happening near Traverse County.

The University of Houston Case: What Happened and Why It Matters to Traverse County

The Incident That Should Terrify Traverse County Parents

On November 21, 2025, our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez. Here’s what happened to him:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
• Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• A pledge lost consciousness during a workout on October 15, 2025, but the hazing continued
• On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished with extreme exercise until he couldn’t stand without help
• He crawled up the stairs when he got home and was rushed to the hospital three days later with kidney failure
• Hospitalized for 3 nights and 4 days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure

Why This Case Matters to Traverse County Families

1. The same fraternities operate near Traverse County

   • Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities across the Upper Midwest, including in Minnesota
   • Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and other fraternities with documented hazing histories also have chapters near Traverse County

2. Universities near Traverse County face the same liability failures

   • The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred
   • Universities near Traverse County have the same power to regulate Greek life—and the same duty to protect students

3. National organizations know about hazing and do nothing

   • Pi Kappa Phi knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
   • The same national organizations operate near Traverse County

4. This isn’t the first time

   • In 2017, a student at the University of Houston was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen from hazing at another fraternity
   • In 2017, Andrew Coffey died at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University from forced alcohol consumption
   • Eight years later, nothing changed—and Leonel Bermudez paid the price

5. The same thing could happen to your child in Traverse County

   • If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Traverse County, they face the same risks
   • Universities and national organizations near Traverse County have the same failures in oversight
   • Your child could be next

Traverse County Parents: Is Your Child at Risk?

Which Colleges and Universities Near Traverse County Have Greek Life?

While Traverse County itself is a rural area, it is surrounded by institutions with active Greek life programs. Some of the universities and colleges near Traverse County where hazing could occur include:

• University of Minnesota (Twin Cities, Duluth, Morris, Crookston, Rochester) – Major Greek life presence
• Minnesota State University System (Mankato, Moorhead, St. Cloud, etc.) – Active fraternities and sororities
• St. Cloud State University – Known Greek life culture
• Bemidji State University – Smaller but active Greek organizations
• Concordia College (Moorhead) – Private college with Greek life
• North Dakota State University – Large Greek system, located ~2.5 hours from Traverse County
• University of North Dakota – Active fraternities and sororities

These are the same types of institutions where hazing occurs—and where the same national fraternities operate.

Which Fraternities Near Traverse County Have Hazing Histories?

The following fraternities have documented histories of hazing incidents, including deaths and serious injuries. They all have chapters at universities near Traverse County:

These are the same fraternities that operate near Traverse County. The same “traditions” exist here.

What Traverse County Families Need to Know About Hazing Laws

Minnesota Hazing Law: It’s a Crime

Minnesota Statute § 121A.69 defines hazing as:

“Any act committed as part of a person’s recruitment, initiation, pledging, admission into, or affiliation with a student organization, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious psychological or emotional harm, to any student or other person attending a school, college, university, or other educational institution in this state.”

Key points for Traverse County families:

• Hazing is a misdemeanor in Minnesota
• If hazing results in great bodily harm, it becomes a felony
• Consent is not a defense—even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable
• Schools are required to report hazing incidents to the Minnesota Department of Education

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Traverse County?

If your child is hazed near Traverse County, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:

1. The local fraternity/sorority chapter – Directly organized and conducted the hazing
2. The national fraternity/sorority organization – Failed to supervise the chapter despite knowing about hazing risks
3. The university/college – Failed to protect students despite having the power to regulate Greek life
4. Individual members – Participated in or facilitated the hazing
5. Chapter officers – Leadership responsibility for allowing hazing to occur
6. Alumni/former members – Hosted hazing events at their homes (premises liability)
7. Housing corporations – Owned or controlled property where hazing occurred

Traverse County families: You can sue all of them.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed Near Traverse County

Immediate Steps: Protect Your Child and Preserve Evidence

If your child tells you they’ve been hazed—or if you suspect hazing—take these steps immediately:

1. Ensure your child’s safety

   • Remove them from the situation if they’re still in danger
   • Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor

2. Document everything

   • Take photos of any injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, etc.)
   • Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails)
   • Write down everything your child remembers (dates, times, locations, what happened, who was involved)
   • Get names and contact information of witnesses (other pledges, bystanders)

3. Preserve physical evidence

   • Save any clothing or items used in hazing (paddles, restraints, etc.)
   • Keep medical records and bills

4. Do NOT confront the fraternity or university alone

   • They will try to control the narrative and destroy evidence
   • Do not give statements to administrators, fraternity leaders, or insurance companies without legal counsel

5. Contact an attorney immediately

   • Call Attorney 911: 1-888-ATTY-911
   • We offer free consultations for Traverse County families
   • We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win

6. Report to authorities

   • File a police report
   • Report to the university’s Title IX office
   • Report to the Minnesota Department of Education

Why You Need a Lawyer for Traverse County Hazing Cases

1. Universities and fraternities have teams of lawyers

   • They will try to minimize your child’s injuries and shift blame
   • They will pressure you to accept low settlement offers
   • You need your own legal team to level the playing field

2. Evidence disappears quickly

   • Fraternities delete text messages and social media posts
   • Universities destroy records
   • Witnesses forget details
   • An attorney can send preservation letters to stop evidence destruction

3. Statutes of limitations apply

   • In Minnesota, you typically have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit
   • If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever

4. Insurance companies will lowball you

   • They will offer quick settlements that don’t cover medical bills or long-term consequences
   • We know how to negotiate for full and fair compensation

5. Criminal and civil cases can run parallel

   • Hazing is a crime in Minnesota
   • A criminal case can support your civil lawsuit
   • We coordinate with prosecutors to maximize accountability

What Compensation Can Traverse County Families Recover?

If your child has been hazed near Traverse County, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

• Medical expenses (hospital stays, ER visits, therapy, future treatment)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work during recovery)
• Future lost earning capacity (if injuries affect career prospects)
• Educational expenses (tuition, fees, lost scholarships if your child had to transfer or drop out)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

• Physical pain from injuries
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Humiliation and shame from hazing activities
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
• Disfigurement (scars, burns, permanent injuries)

Punitive Damages (Punishing Egregious Conduct)

• Awarded when conduct is grossly negligent, reckless, or intentional
• Designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
• Waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse, and paddling all support punitive damages

Precedent Settlements and Verdicts for Hazing Cases

Traverse County families: These results are possible for your child too.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Traverse County Hazing Case?

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

• We’re currently litigating the $10 million University of Houston hazing case
• We know how to build these cases from the ground up
• We’re not afraid to take on powerful institutions

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides
• We know how they think, how they strategize, and how they try to deny claims
• We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery

3. Nationwide Reach with Traverse County Focus

• Based in Texas, but we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Traverse County
• Federal court authority – Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
• We travel to Traverse County for depositions, trials, and client meetings

4. Proven Track Record in High-Stakes Litigation

• BP Texas City explosion litigation – Mass tort experience against major corporations
• Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
• Hundreds of successful cases across all practice areas

5. Hazing-Specific Expertise

• Rhabdomyolysis injury litigation – Specific experience with muscle breakdown cases
• Kappa Sigma fraternity cases – Prior hazing litigation experience
• Texas A&M University hazing cases – Institutional liability knowledge
• Wrongful death from hazing – Representing grieving families

6. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)

• Many hazing victims are from Spanish-speaking families
• We provide bilingual legal services to eliminate language barriers

7. We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront for Traverse County Families

• You pay nothing to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• No financial risk to your family

8. We Care About Traverse County Families

“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”
— Ralph Manginello, describing our client’s condition

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
— Lupe Pena

We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. We’re fighting to protect Traverse County families and prevent future hazing.

Traverse County Parents: Common Questions About Hazing

1. “My child agreed to participate. Can we still sue?”

Yes. Minnesota law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the fraternity, university, and individuals accountable.

2. “The fraternity says it was just ‘tradition.’ Is that a defense?”

No. “Tradition” does not excuse illegal activity. Waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse, and paddling are not traditions—they’re assault, battery, and reckless endangerment.

3. “The university says they didn’t know. Are they still liable?”

Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they:

• Own or control the property where hazing occurred
• Have the power to regulate Greek life
• Had prior knowledge of hazing risks (like the University of Houston did)
• Failed to implement effective oversight

They can be held liable for negligent supervision.

4. “The fraternity closed the chapter. Does that mean they admit fault?”

Yes. When fraternities close chapters immediately after hazing incidents, it’s an admission against interest. Pi Kappa Phi closed the UH chapter 7 days before our lawsuit was filed—they knew what was coming.

5. “Can we sue the national fraternity, or just the local chapter?”

You can sue both. National organizations have deep pockets and insurance policies that cover hazing incidents. They also have a duty to supervise their chapters.

6. “What if my child was hazed off-campus?”

You can still sue. Hazing doesn’t have to occur on campus to be illegal. If it happened at a private residence, a bar, or any other location, the fraternity, individuals, and property owners can still be held liable.

7. “What if my child is afraid of retaliation?”

We protect our clients. Our client in the University of Houston case was fearful of doing an interview due to retribution. We understand the intimidation culture in Greek life and will fight to protect your child.

8. “How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Minnesota?”

In Minnesota, you typically have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.

9. “Can we sue if my child wasn’t seriously injured?”

Yes. Even “minor” hazing can cause PTSD, anxiety, and depression. You don’t need to be hospitalized to have a valid case.

10. “What if my child is an immigrant or doesn’t have legal status?”

Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation. We represent all students, regardless of background.

Traverse County Parents: This Is Happening Near You

Recent Hazing Incidents in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest

While hazing incidents near Traverse County may not always make national news, they happen more often than you think. Recent cases in the region include:

• University of Minnesota (2023) – Multiple fraternities suspended for hazing violations, including forced alcohol consumption and physical abuse
• St. Cloud State University (2022) – Sigma Chi fraternity suspended for hazing that included sleep deprivation and extreme physical punishment
• North Dakota State University (2021) – Pi Kappa Alpha chapter placed on probation for hazing pledges
• University of North Dakota (2020) – Kappa Sigma fraternity suspended after a pledge was hospitalized with alcohol poisoning
• Minnesota State University, Mankato (2019) – Phi Delta Theta chapter closed after hazing investigation revealed forced drinking and physical abuse

These are just the reported cases. Most hazing goes unreported.

Why Hazing Persists Near Traverse County

1. Culture of silence – Victims fear retaliation or social ostracism
2. Lack of oversight – Universities fail to monitor Greek life effectively
3. National organizations turn a blind eye – They dissolve chapters quietly instead of fixing the culture
4. Peer pressure – Students don’t want to “snitch” on their friends
5. Misplaced loyalty – Victims protect the fraternity that abused them

Traverse County families: This culture must change. Your child’s case could be the one that forces reform.

How We Build a Winning Case for Traverse County Hazing Victims

Step 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they keep all evidence
• Download and save all text messages, social media posts, and communications
• Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
• Document everything your child remembers

Step 2: Medical Documentation

• Obtain all medical records related to hazing injuries
• Work with medical experts to document the full extent of harm
• Calculate future medical expenses (therapy, specialist visits, potential long-term care)

Step 3: Pattern Evidence

• Research the fraternity’s national hazing history
• Investigate prior incidents at the same chapter
• Identify prior incidents at the same university
• This proves the defendants knew or should have known about the risks

Step 4: Institutional Liability

• Determine if the university owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
• Research the university’s Greek life oversight policies
• Identify prior hazing incidents at the university
• This proves the university failed to protect your child

Step 5: Individual Accountability

• Identify all individuals who participated in or facilitated hazing
• Research their personal assets and insurance coverage
• This ensures we can collect on any judgment

Step 6: Negotiation or Litigation

• Send a demand letter to all defendants
• Negotiate for a full and fair settlement
• If defendants refuse to settle, file a lawsuit
• Take the case to trial if necessary

Traverse County Parents: What to Expect During the Legal Process

We keep Traverse County families informed at every step.

Traverse County Parents: The Time to Act Is Now

Every Day You Wait Is a Day Closer to Losing Your Rights

⚠️ Evidence disappears – Fraternities delete messages; universities destroy records
⚠️ Witnesses forget – Memories fade; details get lost
⚠️ Your rights expire – Minnesota’s 2-year statute of limitations applies
⚠️ Defendants hide assets – The longer you wait, the harder it is to collect

If your child has been hazed near Traverse County, call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911

Traverse County Families: We’re Ready to Fight for You

Here’s How to Get Started:

1. Call us 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
2. Schedule a free consultation – In person, by phone, or video
3. Tell us your story – We listen without judgment
4. We evaluate your case – No obligation
5. If we take your case, we get to work immediately – $0 upfront

We Come to Traverse County

• For depositions
• For client meetings
• For trials
• Distance is not a barrier to justice

We Fight on Contingency

• You pay nothing to hire us
• We only get paid if we win
• No financial risk to your family

Traverse County Parents: Enough Is Enough

The fraternities that waterboarded our client in Houston have chapters near Traverse County. The universities that failed to protect him have counterparts in our region. The culture that allows hazing to persist exists right here in Minnesota.

But we can change that.

By holding these institutions accountable, we can:
✔ Protect your child
✔ Prevent future hazing near Traverse County
✔ Send a message that this behavior will not be tolerated

If your child has been hazed near Traverse County, call Attorney 911 today: 1-888-ATTY-911

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
— Lupe Pena

Enough is enough, Traverse County. It’s time to fight back.