🚨 Hazing Victims in Knox County, Ohio: You Are Not Alone

What happened to Leonel Bermudez at University of Houston can happen to your child at colleges near Knox County. We are fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for Knox County families too.

🏛️ The Hazing Crisis in Knox County, Ohio

Knox County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their students. They believe Greek organizations will provide positive experiences.

That trust is being betrayed.

Hazing is not just happening in Texas. It’s happening at universities across Ohio — including near Knox County. The same national fraternities and sororities that operate at University of Houston have chapters at Ohio colleges. The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez exist in Ohio Greek life.

Knox County parents: If your child is joining a fraternity or sorority, they may be at risk.

💔 What Happened to Leonel Bermudez — And What Could Happen Here

In November 2025, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being hazed at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He wasn’t even a UH student yet — he was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member expected to transfer for Spring 2026.

What they did to him:

✅ Waterboarded him with a garden hose — simulated drowning as punishment
✅ Forced him to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he couldn’t stand
✅ Struck him with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
✅ Forced him to eat until he vomited — then made him continue exercising
✅ Humiliated him — made him carry sexual objects, stripped him in cold weather
✅ Deprived him of sleep — forced to drive members during early morning hours
✅ Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness — they kept going

The result: Leonel Bermudez spent four days in the hospital with kidney failure. He could have died.

Knox County families: This is not just a Houston problem. This is happening at Ohio universities too.

🏫 Universities Near Knox County with Greek Life

Knox County is home to dedicated families who value education and community. Many Knox County students attend colleges and universities throughout Ohio where Greek life thrives. The same national fraternities involved in the University of Houston hazing case have active chapters at Ohio schools near Knox County.

Major Universities Near Knox County with Greek Organizations:

University	Location	Distance from Knox County	Greek Life Presence
Ohio State University	Columbus, OH	~50 miles	Major Greek system — 60+ fraternities and sororities
Miami University	Oxford, OH	~150 miles	Strong Greek tradition — “Mother of Fraternities”
Ohio University	Athens, OH	~120 miles	Large Greek community
University of Cincinnati	Cincinnati, OH	~130 miles	Active Greek life
Bowling Green State University	Bowling Green, OH	~120 miles	Greek organizations present
Capital University	Columbus, OH	~50 miles	Greek life on campus
Otterbein University	Westerville, OH	~50 miles	Greek organizations present
Denison University	Granville, OH	~40 miles	Strong Greek tradition
Kenyon College	Gambier, OH	~15 miles	Very close to Knox County — Greek organizations present

The same fraternities that hazed Leonel Bermudez have chapters at these schools:

Pi Kappa Phi — Ohio State, Miami University, Ohio University, others
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) — Ohio State, Miami, Ohio University, others
Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) — Ohio State, Miami, Ohio University, others
Beta Theta Pi — Ohio State, Miami, Ohio University, others
Phi Delta Theta — Ohio State, Miami, Ohio University, others

Knox County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity near Knox County, they may be at risk of the same abuse that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez.

📜 Ohio Hazing Laws — What Knox County Families Need to Know

Ohio has strong laws against hazing, but they’re not always enforced. Knox County families should know their rights.

Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31 — Hazing

Definition:

“No person shall recklessly participate in the hazing of another.”

Hazing means:

“Doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person.”

Penalties:

Misdemeanor of the 4th degree — up to 30 days in jail, $250 fine
If serious physical harm occurs — Felony of the 3rd degree — up to 5 years in prison
If death occurs — Felony of the 2nd degree — up to 8 years in prison

Ohio law also requires:

Universities to adopt anti-hazing policies
Universities to provide hazing education
Universities to report hazing incidents

Knox County families: Hazing that causes serious injury — like what happened to Leonel Bermudez — is a FELONY in Ohio.

💰 Knox County Families Can Sue for Hazing Injuries — You Have Legal Rights

If your child has been hazed at a college near Knox County, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit to recover compensation for:

Medical Expenses

Hospital bills
Doctor visits
Medications
Rehabilitation
Future medical care

Pain and Suffering

Physical pain from injuries
Emotional trauma from abuse
PTSD, anxiety, depression
Humiliation and shame

Lost Opportunities

Missed school
Disrupted education
Lost scholarships
Career impact

Punitive Damages

To punish the organization for egregious conduct
To send a message that hazing will not be tolerated

Knox County families: The same legal strategies that won $10 million in the University of Houston case apply to Ohio victims too.

🏆 Precedent Cases — Hazing Victims Win Millions

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These same results are possible for Knox County victims.

Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University (Ohio)

💰 $10.1 MILLION — Largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history
🔹 Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity
🔹 Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
🔹 Died from alcohol poisoning

Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University

💰 $6.1 MILLION jury verdict
🔹 Phi Delta Theta fraternity
🔹 Forced drinking game
🔹 Died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495)

Timothy Piazza — Penn State University

💰 $110 MILLION+ settlement (estimated)
🔹 Beta Theta Pi fraternity
🔹 Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes
🔹 Fell down stairs repeatedly
🔹 Fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911

Knox County families: These verdicts prove that hazing cases win big. The same legal strategies apply to Ohio.

🔍 Warning Signs of Hazing Near Knox County

Knox County parents should watch for these warning signs that their child may be experiencing hazing:

Behavioral Changes

Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
Increased secrecy about activities
Unexplained injuries or bruises
Sudden drop in academic performance
Increased anxiety or depression
Fear of discussing Greek life activities

Physical Signs

Fatigue or sleep deprivation
Weight loss or signs of poor nutrition
Visible injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
Difficulty walking or moving
Signs of alcohol or drug use

Communication Patterns

Avoiding phone calls or texts
Deleting messages or social media posts
Using coded language about “pledging” or “initiation”
Mentioning “tests” or “tasks” that sound dangerous
Talking about “traditions” that seem extreme

Knox County parents: If you notice these signs, your child may be experiencing hazing. Act immediately.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed Near Knox County

If you suspect your child has been hazed at a college near Knox County:

1. Ensure Their Safety

Remove them from the dangerous situation immediately
Seek medical attention if needed

2. Preserve Evidence

Take photos of any injuries
Save all text messages and social media posts
Document all communications about hazing
Get names of witnesses

3. Report the Incident

Contact campus police
File a report with the university
Consider filing a police report with local law enforcement

4. Seek Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, get checked
Document all medical treatment
Follow up with specialists if needed

5. Contact an Attorney

Call Attorney 911 immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
We offer free consultations for Knox County hazing victims
We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win

6. Do NOT

Let your child sign anything from the organization
Let your child talk to the fraternity/sorority without legal counsel
Post about the incident on social media
Accept settlements without consulting an attorney

Knox County families: Time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly. Contact us immediately.

🛡️ Why Knox County Families Choose Attorney 911

We are currently litigating the $10 million University of Houston hazing case. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. Knox County families get the same aggressive representation we provide in Texas.

Our Experience

✅ 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys — we know their playbook
✅ Federal court admission — can pursue cases nationwide
✅ Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
✅ Hazing-specific expertise — currently litigating UH case
✅ Multi-million dollar case experience — BP Texas City explosion, wrongful death

Our Advantages for Knox County Families

🔹 We will travel to Knox County for depositions and trials
🔹 Video consultations available for Knox County families
🔹 Contingency fee basis — $0 upfront, we don’t get paid unless you win
🔹 Bilingual staff — Se habla español
🔹 Proven track record — 4.9 stars, 250+ Google reviews

Our Approach

We treat every client like family. We understand Knox County values — hard work, community, protecting our children. We will fight for your Knox County family with the same determination we’re bringing to the University of Houston case.

📞 Knox County Families: Contact Us Immediately

If your child has been hazed at a college near Knox County, call us now.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free consultation — Available 24/7 for Knox County hazing emergencies

We work on contingency — Knox County families pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

⚠️ To Fraternities Operating Near Knox County:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students near Knox County, we will find every liable entity. We will sue the chapter, the nationals, the housing corporation, the university, and every individual member.

Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN.
Their charter? SURRENDERED.
Their members? CRIMINAL REFERRALS INITIATED.

That’s what happens when you haze near Knox County. Your chapter could be next.

🏛️ To Universities Near Knox County:

The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.

You own the fraternity houses. You have the power to regulate Greek life. You know hazing happens. You choose reputation over safety.

University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing.” What will you call it when it happens at your school?

Act now or face the same accountability.

💡 Knox County Families: Knowledge Is Power

What Every Knox County Parent Should Ask Before Their Child Joins Greek Life:

Does this organization have a history of hazing?
What specific anti-hazing policies does the university have?
Who owns the fraternity/sorority house?
What oversight does the university provide?
Are there any prior hazing incidents at this chapter?
What are the signs of hazing I should watch for?
Who should I contact if I suspect hazing?

Knox County parents: Demand answers. Your child’s safety depends on it.

📚 Educational Resources for Knox County Families

Books

“Broken Pledges: The Deadly Rite of Hazing” by Hank Nuwer
“Hazing: Destroying Young Lives” by Hank Nuwer

Documentaries

“Hazing: A Deadly Tradition” (Investigation Discovery)
“Goat” (2016 film about fraternity hazing)

Websites

hazingprevention.org
stophazing.org
insidehazing.com

Hotlines

National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE
Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741

🌟 Our Promise to Knox County Families

We promise to:

Treat your family with respect and compassion
Fight aggressively for your rights
Pursue every liable party — no one gets away
Keep you informed at every step
Travel to Knox County for your case
Never back down from powerful institutions

Knox County families: You are not alone. We are Attorney 911. We protect victims like you.

📢 Spread the Word in Knox County

Hazing thrives in secrecy. Break the silence in Knox County.

Share this information with other Knox County parents
Talk to your children about the risks of hazing
Demand accountability from universities near Knox County
Support Knox County students who speak out

Together, we can protect Knox County students from hazing.

🏆 The Fight for Knox County Students Starts Now

Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded. He was forced to do 500 squats until his kidneys failed. He spent four days in the hospital.

This happened in Texas. It could happen to a Knox County student tomorrow.

We are fighting this battle right now in Houston. We will fight for Knox County families too.

Knox County hazing victims: You have rights. You have power. You have Attorney 911.