Hazing Victims in Holmes County: Your Rights and How to Seek Justice
The Hazing Crisis Hits Close to Home in Holmes County
Hazing isn’t just a problem happening at big universities far away. It’s happening right here in Northwest Florida—at colleges near Holmes County, in fraternities and sororities with chapters in our region, and in organizations that Holmes County families trust to keep their children safe. The recent $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston isn’t just a national story—it’s a warning to every parent in Holmes County sending their child to college.
If your child has been hazed in Holmes County or at a nearby university, you are not alone. And you have powerful legal rights.
What Is Hazing? Florida Law Is Clear
Many people think hazing is just harmless pranks or “traditions.” Florida law disagrees.
Under Florida Statute § 1006.63, hazing is defined as:
“Any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution.”
This includes:
- Physical abuse — beatings, forced exercise, paddling, waterboarding
- Forced consumption — alcohol, food, non-food substances to the point of vomiting or injury
- Psychological torture — humiliation, sleep deprivation, threats, intimidation
- Sexual abuse — forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
- Dangerous activities — extreme weather exposure, confinement, “lineups”
Florida law is strict: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the hazers accountable.
The Alarming Truth: Hazing Is Happening Near Holmes County
You may think, “Not in Holmes County. Not at the schools my child attends.” But the reality is that hazing is deeply embedded in Greek life culture—and Greek organizations operate at universities across Northwest Florida.
Universities Near Holmes County With Active Greek Life:
| University | Location | Distance from Holmes County | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State University (FSU) | Tallahassee, FL | ~120 miles | Strong Greek system (50+ chapters) |
| University of Florida (UF) | Gainesville, FL | ~180 miles | Large Greek community (60+ chapters) |
| University of West Florida (UWF) | Pensacola, FL | ~80 miles | Active Greek life |
| Florida A&M University (FAMU) | Tallahassee, FL | ~120 miles | Historically strong Greek system |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | ~60 miles | Greek organizations present |
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi—have active chapters at these universities.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a university near Holmes County, they face the same risks that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez at UH and killed students like Andrew Coffey, Maxwell Gruver, and Timothy Piazza.
The UH Case: A Warning for Holmes County Families
In November 2025, a $10 million lawsuit was filed against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme hazing.
What Happened to Leonel Bermudez:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles as punishment
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
- Another pledge lost consciousness during a forced workout—yet the hazing continued
- Result: 4 days in the hospital with kidney failure
Why This Matters to Holmes County:
- The same fraternities operate near Holmes County. Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at FSU, UF, and other Florida universities.
- The same “traditions” exist here. The hazing that hospitalized Bermudez is happening at universities near Holmes County.
- Universities near Holmes County are just as liable. UH owned the fraternity house where the torture occurred. Florida universities have the same power—and the same responsibility—to stop hazing.
- They knew it was dangerous. Pi Kappa Phi had a student die from hazing in 2017 (Andrew Coffey). UH had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017. They did nothing to prevent it from happening again.
- Holmes County victims have the same rights. The $10 million demand in the UH case is not an anomaly. It sets a precedent for what Holmes County families can recover.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Holmes County?
If your child has been hazed, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted the hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis” but did nothing |
| University | Failed to protect students; may own or control the property where hazing occurred |
| Chapter Officers | Leaders who directed or allowed the hazing (president, pledge master, etc.) |
| Individual Members | Participated in or witnessed hazing and did nothing to stop it |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Liability insurance policies covering the fraternity, university, or individuals |
Holmes County families: You don’t have to sue just one person. You can—and should—hold everyone accountable.
What Can Holmes County Families Recover?
Hazing victims in Holmes County are entitled to full compensation for:
Economic Damages (Tangible Costs):
- Medical bills — ER visits, hospital stays, therapy, future treatment
- Lost wages — Time missed from work or internships
- Educational costs — Tuition, fees, lost scholarships if hazing disrupted education
- Rehabilitation expenses — Physical therapy, mental health treatment
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering):
- Physical pain — From injuries, forced exercise, beatings
- Emotional trauma — PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
- Humiliation — From degrading rituals, forced nudity, sexual humiliation
- Loss of enjoyment of life — Impact on college experience, social life, relationships
Punitive Damages (To Punish the Wrongdoers):
- Awarded when conduct is egregious, intentional, or reckless
- Designed to deter future hazing and send a message
- No cap in Florida for punitive damages in hazing cases
Precedent Cases Show What’s Possible:
- $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State)
- $6.1 million — Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, LSU)
- $110+ million — Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi, Penn State)
- $4+ million — Adam Oakes (Delta Chi, VCU)
Holmes County families: These same results are possible for you.
What Should Holmes County Families Do Right Now?
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away
- Medical records are critical evidence for your case
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. SAVE EVERYTHING.
| Evidence Type | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Medical Records | Hospital bills, doctor notes, therapy records |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries at all stages, hazing locations, items used in hazing |
| Communications | Texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails |
| Witness Information | Names and contact info of other pledges, witnesses |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child |
| Financial Records | Medical bills, lost wage documentation, tuition receipts |
If your child is still in the hazing environment, have them document everything discreetly.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone
- Fraternities/sororities will try to control the narrative
- Universities will protect their reputation, not your child
- Insurance companies will try to lowball you
- Anything you say can be used against you in court
You have the right to remain silent. Exercise it. Let your attorney speak for you.
Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately
- Statute of limitations in Florida: 2 years from the date of injury
- Evidence disappears quickly — witnesses forget, messages get deleted, organizations destroy records
- The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be
Holmes County families: We offer free, confidential consultations. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Holmes County Hazing Case?
We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are currently litigating the $10 million UH hazing case—the same fight we’ll bring to Holmes County. We know how to win.
We Have Insider Knowledge
Both our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how the other side thinks. We know their playbook. And we use it against them.
We Travel to Holmes County
While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Holmes County. We’ll come to you for depositions, meetings, and trials.
We Work on Contingency
You pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win. No risk to you.
We Speak Spanish
Many hazing victims in Holmes County come from Hispanic families. Se habla español. We ensure language is never a barrier to justice.
We Have a Proven Track Record
- $10+ million in the UH hazing case (pending)
- Millions recovered in personal injury cases
- Former federal prosecutors with courtroom experience
- Dual-state licensed (Texas and New York) for national litigation
Holmes County families: You don’t have to fight this alone. We’re here to help.
Holmes County Fraternities: We Are Watching You
To the fraternities operating near Holmes County—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, and others:
We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. And we know your hazing death records.
- Pi Kappa Phi paid millions after Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017. Now they’re being sued for $10 million after Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization.
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon has multiple hazing deaths on its record.
- Pi Kappa Alpha was involved in the $10.1 million Stone Foltz case.
If your chapter hazes students near Holmes County, we will find out. And we will hold you accountable.
The UH chapter of Pi Kappa Phi is now shut down. Your chapter could be next.
Universities Near Holmes County: You Have a Duty to Protect Students
To the universities near Holmes County—FSU, UF, UWF, FAMU, Troy University:
You own the fraternity houses. You control Greek life. You have the power to stop hazing.
- The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded.
- UH had a prior hazing incident in 2017 and did nothing to prevent it from happening again.
- Florida universities have the same liability.
If you fail to protect Holmes County students from hazing, you will be held accountable—just like UH is now.
Holmes County Families: It’s Time to Take Action
If your child has been hazed, you have two choices:
- Stay silent and let the hazers get away with it.
- Fight back and hold them accountable.
We can help you choose option 2.
Call us today for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Holmes County and all of Florida. Distance is not a barrier. Justice is our mission.
Frequently Asked Questions for Holmes County Families
Q: My child was hazed at a university near Holmes County. Can you still help us?
A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Holmes County. We have federal court authority and can pursue your case no matter where the hazing occurred.
Q: What if my child consented to the hazing?
A: Florida law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the hazers can still be held liable.
Q: How much does it cost to hire you?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Q: What if the fraternity or university threatens us?
A: That’s intimidation, and it’s illegal. We will protect you. Once you have an attorney, they can no longer contact you directly.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Florida’s statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of injury. But don’t wait—evidence disappears, and witnesses forget. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
Q: Can we sue the university too?
A: Yes. If the university knew or should have known about the hazing and failed to stop it, they can be held liable—especially if they own the property where the hazing occurred.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand. Many hazing victims fear speaking out. We will protect your child’s identity and ensure their safety throughout the legal process.
Holmes County: Enough Is Enough
Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not “boys being boys” or “girls being girls.”
It’s abuse. It’s torture. And it has to stop.
If your child has been hazed at a university near Holmes County, you have the power to fight back. You have the power to hold the hazers accountable. You have the power to send a message that this will not be tolerated.
Call Attorney 911 today. Let’s end the cycle of hazing in Holmes County.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com
Justice for Holmes County hazing victims starts now.
