🚨 Hazing Victims in Latimer County, Oklahoma: Know Your Rights and How to Fight Back
This Happens in Oklahoma Too — And It’s Illegal
Latimer County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their students. They assume that Greek organizations — fraternities and sororities — will act responsibly.
But the truth is hazing happens in Oklahoma. It happens at universities near Latimer County. It happens in fraternities and sororities with chapters in Oklahoma. And when it does, it can cause serious injuries — or worse.
We know this because we’re fighting a hazing case right now — a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. A young man was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities that did this in Texas operate in Oklahoma. The same negligence that allowed this in Houston exists at Oklahoma institutions.
If your child has been hazed in Latimer County or anywhere in Oklahoma, you have rights. And we can help you fight back.
What Is Hazing? (And Why It’s Illegal in Oklahoma)
Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “team building.” It’s not “just how things are done.”
In Oklahoma, hazing is defined as any activity that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with a group. This includes:
- Physical abuse: Beating, paddling, branding, excessive exercise
- Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, non-food substances to the point of vomiting or injury
- Psychological abuse: Humiliation, sleep deprivation, threats, isolation
- Dangerous activities: Extreme weather exposure, confinement, simulated drowning (waterboarding)
- Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
Oklahoma law is clear: Hazing is a crime. Under Oklahoma Statutes Title 21 § 1190, hazing is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines. If hazing results in serious injury or death, it can be charged as a felony.
And here’s the most important part: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. The people who hazed them are still responsible.
The Hazing Crisis in Oklahoma: It’s Happening Near Latimer County
You might think hazing is a problem in other states — Texas, Louisiana, Pennsylvania. But hazing happens in Oklahoma too.
Universities Near Latimer County with Greek Life:
While Latimer County itself is home to smaller communities, it’s surrounded by institutions where Greek life thrives:
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Eastern Oklahoma State College (Wilburton, OK) — Just 20 miles from Latimer County, Eastern Oklahoma State College has active Greek organizations. The same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide have chapters here.
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Southeastern Oklahoma State University (Durant, OK) — About 90 miles southwest of Latimer County, SOSU has a strong Greek presence. Fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others operate on campus.
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University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK) — One of the largest Greek systems in the state, OU has had documented hazing incidents in the past. The same organizations that have paid millions in settlements elsewhere have chapters at OU.
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Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK) — OSU’s Greek system is massive. Hazing has been reported here, and the same national fraternities with hazing histories operate on campus.
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Northeastern State University (Tahlequah, OK) — About 60 miles north of Latimer County, NSU has Greek organizations that are part of the same national networks with documented hazing.
The same fraternities that waterboarded our client in Texas have chapters in Oklahoma. The same organizations that have killed students in other states operate near Latimer County. And the same negligence that led to our client’s hospitalization exists at Oklahoma universities.
What Happens When Hazing Goes Wrong: Medical Consequences
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “girls going through initiation.” It can cause serious, life-threatening injuries.
Physical Injuries from Hazing:
| Injury | What It Is | How It Happens in Hazing | Real-World Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown that releases toxic proteins into the blood, causing kidney failure | Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls) | Our client in Texas — hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats |
| Acute Alcohol Poisoning | Dangerously high blood alcohol level that can cause coma or death | Forced binge drinking, drinking games, “chugging” | Stone Foltz (BGSU) — died after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Damage to the brain from physical trauma | Beatings, falls, being struck with objects | Timothy Piazza (Penn State) — died after falling down stairs while severely intoxicated |
| Heat Stroke / Hypothermia | Body temperature rises or falls to dangerous levels | Forced exposure to extreme heat or cold | Cases documented in multiple states |
| Broken Bones | Fractures from physical abuse | Paddling, beatings, falls | Documented in multiple hazing cases |
| Internal Bleeding | Damage to organs from trauma | Physical assault, excessive force | Max Gruver (LSU) — died from abdominal bleeding after hazing |
| Sexual Assault | Unwanted sexual contact | Forced nudity, sexual acts, harassment | Documented in multiple hazing cases |
Psychological Trauma from Hazing:
Hazing doesn’t just hurt the body — it destroys the mind.
| Condition | Symptoms | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | Flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, avoidance of triggers | Can last for years; requires therapy and medication |
| Depression | Persistent sadness, loss of interest, hopelessness | Increased risk of suicide; academic decline |
| Anxiety Disorders | Excessive worry, panic attacks, social anxiety | Difficulty functioning in school or work |
| Trust Issues | Difficulty trusting others, fear of betrayal | Strained relationships with family and friends |
| Substance Abuse | Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol | Addiction, health problems, legal issues |
| Suicidal Ideation | Thoughts of self-harm or suicide | Immediate crisis; requires intervention |
Our client in Texas is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” This fear is real. Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries — it creates a culture of silence, intimidation, and lasting psychological damage.
Who Is Liable When Hazing Happens in Oklahoma?
When hazing occurs, many people and organizations share responsibility. In our Texas case, we’re suing 10 different defendants — and we’ll pursue the same strategy for Oklahoma victims.
1. The Local Chapter
The fraternity or sorority chapter that organized and conducted the hazing is directly responsible. This includes:
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, risk manager)
- Active members who participated in hazing
- Alumni who facilitated or allowed hazing
In our Texas case, we’ve named the chapter president, pledgemaster, and multiple members as defendants.
2. The National Organization
National fraternities and sororities have millions of dollars in assets and insurance. They’re supposed to supervise their chapters and prevent hazing. When they fail, they’re liable.
In our Texas case, Pi Kappa Phi National is a defendant because:
- They knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to enforce their own policies
- They had 8 years to fix their culture after Andrew Coffey died in 2017 — they did nothing
- They closed the UH chapter only after our client was hospitalized — showing they knew the chapter was dangerous
The same national organizations operate in Oklahoma. If your child was hazed by a fraternity or sorority with a national organization, we can sue the nationals too.
3. The University
Universities have a duty to protect their students. When they fail, they’re liable for:
- Premises liability — if hazing occurred on university-owned property (like a fraternity house)
- Negligent supervision — if the university failed to monitor Greek organizations
- Institutional negligence — if the university knew about hazing and did nothing
In our Texas case, the University of Houston is a defendant because:
- They own the fraternity house where the hazing occurred
- They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 (a different fraternity) — they knew the risk
- They failed to implement real oversight despite knowing hazing was happening
Oklahoma universities face the same liability. If hazing happened on campus or in university-controlled housing, the university can be sued.
4. Individual Perpetrators
Every person who participated in, facilitated, or failed to stop hazing can be held personally liable.
In our Texas case, we’re suing:
- The fraternity president who allowed the hazing
- The pledgemaster who organized the activities
- Current members who participated
- Former members who hosted hazing at their home
- The spouse of a former member who allowed hazing at their residence
In Oklahoma, we’ll identify and sue every individual responsible.
5. Housing Corporations
Many fraternity and sorority houses are owned by alumni housing corporations. These organizations are responsible for maintaining safe premises. If hazing occurs in their property, they’re liable.
6. Insurance Companies
All of these defendants have insurance policies that may cover hazing incidents. As former insurance defense attorneys, we know exactly how to pursue these policies and maximize your recovery.
What Oklahoma Families Can Learn from Our Texas Case
We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This case is not just about Texas — it’s about every family in Oklahoma who has been affected by hazing.
Key Lessons for Oklahoma Families:
1. The Same Fraternities Operate in Oklahoma
The fraternity that hazed our client — Pi Kappa Phi — has 150+ chapters across America, including in Oklahoma. Other fraternities with documented hazing histories also operate in Oklahoma:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Oklahoma Chapters? |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (2017, death), Leonel Bermudez (2025, kidney failure) | Yes — multiple |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (2021, death), $10M settlement | Yes — multiple |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple hazing deaths and injuries | Yes — multiple |
| Phi Delta Theta | Max Gruver (2017, death), $6.1M verdict | Yes — multiple |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017, death), $110M+ settlement | Yes — multiple |
If your child was hazed by any of these organizations in Oklahoma, we can help.
2. Universities Know Hazing Happens — And They Do Nothing
In our Texas case:
- The University of Houston knew about a hazing incident in 2017 (a different fraternity) but failed to implement real oversight
- They owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred
- They collected rent while students were being tortured
Oklahoma universities know hazing happens too. They have the power to stop it. When they don’t, they’re liable.
3. National Organizations Have the Power to Stop Hazing — But They Don’t
Pi Kappa Phi National knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to enforce their own policies. They had 8 years to fix their culture after Andrew Coffey died in 2017. Instead, they allowed our client to be hospitalized in 2025.
The same national organizations operate in Oklahoma. They have the power to stop hazing. When they don’t, they’re liable.
4. Hazing Is Torture — Not Tradition
Our client was waterboarded with a garden hose. Waterboarding is considered torture when used on enemy combatants. The U.S. government has condemned it. And yet, a fraternity did it to a college student in Texas.
This wasn’t “tradition.” This was torture.
Hazing in Oklahoma is just as bad. It’s not “boys being boys” or “girls going through initiation.” It’s abuse. And it’s illegal.
5. $10 Million Is the Price for Torturing Our Kids
We’re seeking $10 million in our Texas case. This isn’t just about compensation — it’s about sending a message.
- Stone Foltz’s family received $10.1 million
- Max Gruver’s family received a $6.1 million jury verdict
- Timothy Piazza’s family received $110 million+
Oklahoma families deserve the same justice.
What Oklahoma Families Should Do If Their Child Has Been Hazed
If your child has been hazed in Oklahoma, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked out by a doctor. Some injuries — like rhabdomyolysis — have delayed symptoms. Medical records are critical evidence in your case.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Do not delete anything. Save:
- Text messages (GroupMe, iMessage, WhatsApp, etc.)
- Social media posts (Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook)
- Photos and videos (from hazing events or of injuries)
- Fraternity/sorority documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)
- Witness information (names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses)
If your child is still in the organization, have them document everything discreetly.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without Legal Counsel
- Do NOT sign anything from the organization
- Do NOT give a statement to university administrators
- Do NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leadership
- Do NOT post about the incident on social media
Anything you say can be used against you. Let us handle all communications.
Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately
Do NOT try to handle this alone. Universities and fraternities have teams of lawyers working to protect themselves. You need your own legal team to fight back.
We offer free consultations for Oklahoma hazing victims. Call us 24/7 at:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Or email: ralph@atty911.com
We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Step 5: Report the Incident to Authorities
Consider filing:
- A police report (hazing is a crime in Oklahoma)
- A Title IX complaint (if the university failed to protect your child)
- A report to the university’s Greek life office
We can help you navigate these processes.
Oklahoma Hazing Laws: What Families Need to Know
Oklahoma Statutes Title 21 § 1190 — Hazing
Definition of Hazing:
Any activity which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of or recognized as an organization by an institution of higher education.
Penalties:
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and/or $500 fine
- Felony (if serious bodily injury or death occurs): Up to 5 years in prison
Consent is NOT a Defense:
It is not a defense that the victim consented to the hazing.
Organizational Penalties:
- Organizations can be fined up to $5,000
- Organizations can lose recognition by the university
What Oklahoma Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit
If your child has been hazed in Oklahoma, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages (Financial Losses)
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery |
| Educational Losses | Tuition for missed classes, lost scholarships |
| Future Earning Capacity | If injuries affect long-term career prospects |
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical Pain & Suffering | Pain from injuries, medical treatment, recovery |
| Mental Anguish | Trauma from hazing, PTSD, anxiety, depression |
| Emotional Distress | Humiliation, shame, loss of trust |
| Loss of Enjoyment of Life | Inability to participate in normal activities |
Punitive Damages (Punishing the Defendants)
In cases of egregious misconduct, Oklahoma law allows for punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future hazing.
Our Texas case involves conduct that justifies punitive damages:
- Waterboarding (simulated drowning)
- Forced exercise until collapse (500 squats causing kidney failure)
- Striking with wooden paddles
- Forced eating until vomiting
If similar conduct occurred in Oklahoma, punitive damages may apply.
Why Oklahoma Families Choose Attorney 911
We’re not just personal injury lawyers. We’re former insurance defense attorneys who know how the other side thinks. We’ve seen their playbook — and now we use that knowledge to fight for victims.
Why We’re the Right Choice for Oklahoma Hazing Victims:
✅ 25+ Years of Litigation Experience — We’ve handled complex cases against massive institutions
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We know how insurance companies try to deny claims
✅ Federal Court Authority — We can pursue your case in federal court if needed
✅ Dual-State Bar Licenses — Texas and New York; strategic advantage for national fraternity cases
✅ Nationwide Hazing Expertise — We’re currently litigating a $10M hazing case and have experience with multiple fraternities
✅ Se Habla Español — Bilingual staff to serve Oklahoma’s Spanish-speaking families
✅ Contingency Fee — You pay $0 upfront; we only get paid if we win your case
✅ We Come to You — We’ll travel to Latimer County or anywhere in Oklahoma for your case
Our Approach to Oklahoma Hazing Cases:
- Immediate Response — We act fast to preserve evidence
- Aggressive Investigation — We gather every piece of evidence to build your case
- Expert Network — Medical experts, hazing culture experts, accident reconstructionists
- Strategic Litigation — We sue every responsible party: the chapter, the nationals, the university, the individuals
- Media Strategy — We use media attention to pressure defendants and drive reform
- Legislative Advocacy — We work with Oklahoma lawmakers to strengthen hazing laws
- Compassionate Representation — We treat Oklahoma families like family; we’re in this fight together
Oklahoma Hazing Case Examples: What’s Possible
Case 1: The $10 Million Demand (Our Texas Case)
| Defendant | Allegations | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi (UH Chapter) | Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating | $10M lawsuit filed |
| Pi Kappa Phi National | Failed to prevent despite “hazing crisis” knowledge | Named as defendant |
| University of Houston | Owned fraternity house; failed to act despite 2017 incident | Named as defendant |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Named as defendants |
Why This Matters for Oklahoma:
- Shows that $10 million demands are realistic
- Shows that national organizations and universities can be held accountable
- Shows that individual perpetrators can be sued personally
Case 2: Stone Foltz — $10.1 Million Settlement
| Defendant | Settlement Amount |
|---|---|
| Bowling Green State University | $2.9 million |
| Pi Kappa Alpha National + Individuals | $7.2 million |
| TOTAL | $10.1 million |
What Happened: Stone Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol at a Pi Kappa Alpha event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
Why This Matters for Oklahoma:
- Same fraternity (Pi Kappa Alpha) has chapters in Oklahoma
- Shows that universities and nationals both pay substantial amounts
- Shows that $10 million+ outcomes are possible
Case 3: Max Gruver — $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
| Outcome | Details |
|---|---|
| Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Criminal Conviction | Negligent homicide — prison time |
| Legislation | Max Gruver Act — made hazing a felony in Louisiana |
What Happened: Max Gruver was forced to drink excessive alcohol at a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event. He died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495).
Why This Matters for Oklahoma:
- Shows that juries award millions for hazing deaths and injuries
- Shows that criminal charges can accompany civil lawsuits
- Shows that hazing cases drive legislative change
Oklahoma Hazing Laws Need to Change
Oklahoma has taken steps to address hazing, but more needs to be done. Families who have lost children to hazing have turned tragedy into legislative change in other states:
| State | Law | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law | Felony charges for hazing causing death; immunity for reporting |
| Louisiana | Max Gruver Act | Made hazing a felony; increased penalties |
| Ohio | Collin’s Law | Named after Collin Wiant; felony hazing charges |
| Florida | Andrew’s Law | Increased penalties for hazing |
| Texas | Texas Hazing Law | Criminal penalties; consent not a defense |
Oklahoma needs similar reform. We’re working with Oklahoma lawmakers to:
- Increase penalties for hazing that causes serious injury or death
- Remove the “consent” defense (it’s already in Oklahoma law, but needs enforcement)
- Require universities to publicly report hazing incidents
- Provide immunity for students who report hazing
- Strengthen oversight of Greek organizations
If your family has been affected by hazing in Oklahoma, we can connect you with lawmakers to share your story and drive change.
Latimer County Families: You Are Not Alone
If your child has been hazed in Oklahoma, you may feel isolated. You may feel like no one understands what you’re going through. You may be afraid to speak out.
But you are not alone.
- We’re fighting this battle right now in Texas, and we’re ready to fight for Oklahoma families.
- Other families have been through this and have won justice.
- The law is on your side — hazing is illegal in Oklahoma.
- We’re here to help — with compassion, experience, and relentless advocacy.
Latimer County families: This doesn’t have to be the end of your child’s story. With the right legal team, it can be the beginning of justice, accountability, and change.
Next Steps for Oklahoma Hazing Victims
If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Oklahoma:
- Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com
- Schedule a free consultation — we’ll evaluate your case at no cost
- Preserve all evidence — we’ll guide you on what to save
- Let us handle communications — with the fraternity, sorority, and university
- We’ll build your case — gathering evidence, consulting experts, preparing for litigation
- We’ll fight for maximum compensation — and hold every responsible party accountable
If You’re Not Sure If It’s Hazing:
Hazing can be subtle. It doesn’t always involve physical abuse. If your child has been subjected to any of the following, it may be hazing:
- Being forced to perform humiliating acts
- Being forced to consume alcohol or food to the point of discomfort
- Being deprived of sleep
- Being required to wear embarrassing clothing or carry objects
- Being subjected to verbal abuse or threats
- Being isolated from friends or family
- Being required to perform personal services for members
If you’re unsure, call us. We’ll help you understand your rights.
Oklahoma Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
For immediate help with hazing in Oklahoma, call our 24/7 hotline:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve hazing victims across Oklahoma, including Latimer County, Wilburton, Durant, Norman, Stillwater, Tahlequah, and beyond.
You pay nothing unless we win your case.
A Message to Oklahoma Fraternities and Sororities: We Are Watching
To the fraternities and sororities operating in Oklahoma:
We know who you are. We know your national organizations. We know your chapters. We know your leadership.
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi. We’ve seen what happens when fraternities think they can torture students and get away with it.
If you haze students in Oklahoma, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will make you pay.
The same legal strategies that are winning millions in Texas apply to Oklahoma. The same national organizations that are paying millions operate in Oklahoma. The same universities that are being held accountable exist in Oklahoma.
Clean up your chapters. Enforce your policies. Protect your members. Because if you don’t, we’re coming for you.
A Message to Oklahoma Universities: You Are Responsible
To the universities in Oklahoma with Greek organizations:
You have a duty to protect your students. When you fail, you are liable.
In our Texas case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where a student was waterboarded. They knew about a hazing incident in 2017 but failed to implement real oversight. They collected rent while students were tortured.
The same failures exist at Oklahoma universities.
If hazing happens on your campus, you will be held accountable. We will sue you for:
- Premises liability — if hazing occurs on property you own or control
- Negligent supervision — if you fail to monitor Greek organizations
- Institutional negligence — if you know about hazing and do nothing
Act now. Implement real oversight. Inspect fraternity and sorority houses. Respond to hazing reports. Because if you don’t, we will hold you accountable in court.
A Final Message to Latimer County Families
Latimer County families: You send your children to college expecting them to be safe. You trust that the people in charge will protect them.
But when that trust is betrayed, you have the power to fight back.
We’re fighting that fight right now in Texas. We’re holding a fraternity accountable for waterboarding a student. We’re holding a university accountable for owning the building where it happened. We’re seeking $10 million to send a message that this cannot happen again.
That same justice is possible for Oklahoma families.
If your child has been hazed in Oklahoma, call us. We’ll listen. We’ll fight for you. And we won’t stop until justice is served.
Latimer County families: Enough is enough. It’s time to hold them accountable.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
We don’t just talk about justice. We fight for it. And we win.
