🚨 Hazing Victims in Ouray County, Colorado: You Are Not Alone

If you or your child has been hazed at a college, university, or Greek organization in Ouray County, Colorado, you have legal rights — and we can help.

At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. The same fraternities, the same negligence, and the same culture of abuse exist at institutions near Ouray County. And we will bring the same aggressive legal representation to Ouray County families.

“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 Peña, Attorney 911

🏛️ Hazing in Ouray County: The Hidden Crisis

Ouray County is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, tight-knit community, and the historic town of Ouray — the “Switzerland of America.” But just beyond the county line, in nearby college towns like Gunnison (Western Colorado University), Durango (Fort Lewis College), and Grand Junction (Colorado Mesa University), a dangerous culture thrives in silence: hazing.

The Reality of Hazing in Colorado

Hazing is not just a problem in big states like Texas or Florida. It happens right here in Colorado — in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and other student organizations.

The same national fraternities involved in high-profile hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Beta Theta Pi — have active chapters at Colorado universities. If these organizations are hazing students in Houston, they are hazing students near Ouray County too.

Why Ouray County Families Are at Risk

• Proximity to Universities: Ouray County is within driving distance of multiple colleges and universities where Greek life and student organizations thrive.
• Small-Town Trust: Ouray County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust institutions to protect their kids — but universities and fraternities often prioritize reputation over safety.
• Lack of Local Awareness: Hazing is often dismissed as “tradition” or “boys being boys.” But hazing is abuse, and it is illegal in Colorado.
• Fear of Speaking Out: Victims often stay silent due to shame, fear of retaliation, or loyalty to the organization. This silence allows the cycle of abuse to continue.

Ouray County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a Colorado university, they may be at risk. The same hazing that hospitalized our client in Houston happens in Colorado too.

🔍 What Counts as Hazing in Colorado?

Colorado law defines hazing as any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.

Examples of Hazing in Colorado:

Colorado Hazing Law: The Basics

Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-9-124 — Hazing

• Hazing is a Class 3 Misdemeanor if it does not result in serious bodily injury or death.
• Hazing is a Class 2 Misdemeanor if it results in serious bodily injury.
• Hazing is a Class 4 Felony if it results in death.

Consent is NOT a defense — even if a student “agrees” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

Ouray County families: If your child was hazed in Colorado, the organization and its members may face criminal charges in addition to civil liability.

🏥 The Medical Consequences of Hazing

Hazing is not harmless. It can cause serious, life-threatening injuries — and even death.

Common Hazing Injuries in Colorado:

Our Client’s Story: A Warning for Ouray County

In November 2025, our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being hazed by the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. Over several weeks, he was subjected to:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then forced to continue exercising
• Sleep deprivation — forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
• Humiliation — forced to carry sexual objects and strip in cold weather

He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life. His muscles literally broke down, releasing toxins that nearly destroyed his kidneys.

This happened in Houston — but it happens in Colorado too.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Hazing Victim in Ouray County

If you or your child has been hazed in Colorado, you have legal rights — and you can hold the responsible parties accountable.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

What Damages Can You Recover?

Hazing victims in Ouray County can pursue compensation for:

Ouray County families: In our current case, we are seeking $10 million in damages. Similar recoveries are possible for Colorado victims.

📋 What to Do If You or Your Child Has Been Hazed in Ouray County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• If you or your child has been injured, go to the emergency room or urgent care right away.
• Document everything — medical records are critical evidence.
• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked. Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Evidence is critical to your case.

Critical: If you are still in the organization, do not confront anyone about the hazing. This could lead to retaliation or evidence destruction.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or Their Lawyers

• The fraternity, sorority, or university will try to control the narrative.
• They may ask you to sign documents or give statements.
• Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney.
• Do not give a recorded statement to their insurance company or lawyers.

Remember: Their goal is to minimize liability, not to help you.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney

Call Attorney 911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

• We offer free consultations for hazing victims.
• We work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.
• We will travel to Ouray County for meetings, depositions, and trials.
• We offer remote consultations via video call.

Ouray County families: Distance is not a barrier. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Colorado.

🎯 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Ouray County Hazing Case?

1. We Are Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

• We are actively litigating a hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
• We know exactly how to build these cases and hold institutions accountable.
• Ouray County families get the same aggressive representation we provide in Houston.

2. We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

• Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña both worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims.
• We know how insurance companies think, strategize, and try to deny claims.
• We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority

• We are admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas.
• This allows us to pursue hazing cases nationwide, including in Colorado.
• We can sue national fraternities and universities no matter where they are headquartered.

4. We Are Dual-State Licensed (Texas and New York)

• We can pursue cases in multiple jurisdictions.
• This is critical for cases involving national organizations with chapters in Colorado.

5. We Travel to Ouray County

• We will come to Ouray, Ridgway, or anywhere in Ouray County for client meetings, depositions, and trials.
• We offer remote consultations for Ouray County families who cannot travel.

6. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)

• Hazing victims and families in Ouray County may speak Spanish as their first language.
• We provide bilingual legal services — no language barriers to justice.

7. We Have a Proven Track Record of Results

• We have recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims.
• We have successfully litigated complex cases against large institutions.
• We have experience with rhabdomyolysis cases — the same injury our current client suffered.

8. We Care About Ouray County Families

“We see your child as a person — not a paycheck.” — Ralph Manginello

We are not just fighting for compensation. We are fighting for accountability, change, and justice. We want to prevent the next hazing victim in Ouray County.

🏛️ Hazing at Colorado Universities: What Ouray County Families Need to Know

Ouray County is home to families who send their children to colleges and universities across Colorado. Many of these institutions have active Greek life and student organizations — and many of them have hazing problems.

Universities Near Ouray County with Greek Life:

Hazing Incidents at Colorado Universities: A Pattern of Abuse

Hazing is not new to Colorado. Here are just a few examples of hazing incidents at Colorado universities:

Ouray County families: If your child attends a Colorado university, they may be at risk. The same fraternities that hazed our client in Houston have chapters in Colorado.

🚨 Warning Signs of Hazing in Ouray County Students

Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Ouray County parents should watch for these warning signs:

Behavioral Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about activities
• Avoiding questions about the organization
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleep)
• Increased anxiety, depression, or mood swings
• Fear of talking about the organization

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
• Weight loss or gain
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Signs of alcohol or drug use
• Difficulty walking or moving

Academic Impact:

• Sudden drop in grades
• Missing classes or assignments
• Difficulty concentrating

Financial Signs:

• Unexplained expenses (e.g., buying alcohol, paying for events)
• Requests for money

Social Media Clues:

• Deleting old posts or accounts
• Avoiding social media altogether
• Posting vague or cryptic messages about “traditions” or “brotherhood”

If you notice these signs in your Ouray County child, ask questions — and consider seeking help.

📞 Ouray County Hazing Victims: Call Attorney 911 Now

Free Consultation — 24/7 Availability

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

What Happens When You Call:

1. Free Case Evaluation: We will listen to your story and evaluate your legal options.
2. No Upfront Costs: We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
3. Immediate Action: We will send preservation letters to protect your evidence.
4. Compassionate Support: We understand the trauma you’re experiencing.
5. Aggressive Representation: We will fight for maximum compensation and accountability.

Ouray County families: You are not alone. We are here to help.

🎯 Our Promise to Ouray County Hazing Victims

1. We Will Listen Without Judgment

Hazing victims often feel shame, embarrassment, or loyalty to the organization. We understand. We will listen to your story with compassion and respect.

2. We Will Protect Your Privacy

We will never share your story without your permission. Your case is confidential.

3. We Will Fight for Maximum Compensation

We will pursue every possible defendant — the local chapter, the national organization, the university, and the individuals who harmed you.

4. We Will Travel to Ouray County

We will come to Ouray, Ridgway, or anywhere in Ouray County for meetings, depositions, and trials.

5. We Will Work on Contingency

You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

6. We Will Seek Justice — Not Just Money

We are not just fighting for compensation. We are fighting for accountability, change, and to prevent the next hazing victim.

📢 A Message to Ouray County Fraternities: We Are Watching

To the fraternities and student organizations operating near Ouray County:

We are watching. We are coming. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

• Pi Kappa Phi paid millions after a student died. Now they’re facing another $10 million lawsuit.
• Sigma Chi paid millions after a student was hospitalized.
• Beta Theta Pi paid $110+ million after a student died.
• Kappa Sigma was hit with a $12.6 million jury verdict.

If your chapter is hazing students in Colorado, we will find out. And we will hold you accountable.

To University Administrators Near Ouray County:

The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They knew about prior hazing incidents and did nothing. Now they are facing a $10 million lawsuit.

If your university is allowing hazing to happen on your campus, you will be held liable.

To National Fraternities with Chapters Near Ouray County:

You claim to prioritize the “well-being of your members.” But Andrew Coffey died in 2017. Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025. And you’re already planning to come back.

We will not let you come back until you change. And we will make sure you pay for what you’ve done.

🏆 Ouray County Families: Together, We Can End Hazing

Hazing will not stop on its own. It will take brave victims, determined families, aggressive attorneys, and a community that demands change.

How You Can Help:

1. Share This Page: Help us reach other Ouray County families who may be affected.
2. Talk to Your Children: If your child is in college or planning to attend, talk to them about hazing.
3. Demand Accountability: Contact university administrators and demand real oversight of Greek life.
4. Support Hazing Legislation: Advocate for stronger hazing laws in Colorado.
5. Stand with Victims: If you know someone who has been hazed, encourage them to come forward.

Ouray County: We can end hazing — but we have to do it together.

📜 Ouray County Hazing Victims: Know Your Rights

Colorado Hazing Law (C.R.S. § 18-9-124)

“Hazing” means any activity by which a person recklessly endangers the health or safety of or causes a risk of bodily injury to an individual for purposes of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any student organization.

Key Provisions:

• Consent is NOT a defense — even if the victim “agreed” to participate.
• Hazing is a crime — punishable by fines and jail time.
• Organizations can be held liable — including fraternities, sororities, and universities.

Your Rights as a Hazing Victim in Ouray County:

1. Right to Seek Compensation: You can sue for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
2. Right to Criminal Charges: You can report hazing to law enforcement.
3. Right to University Action: You can file a complaint with your university’s Title IX or student conduct office.
4. Right to Privacy: You have the right to keep your case confidential.
5. Right to Legal Representation: You have the right to hire an attorney to protect your interests.

🚨 Ouray County: Act Now — Time Is Running Out

Colorado Statute of Limitations for Hazing Cases:

• Personal Injury: 2 years from the date of injury
• Wrongful Death: 2 years from the date of death

If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever.

Evidence Disappears Quickly:

• Text messages get deleted
• Social media posts get removed
• Witnesses forget details
• Organizations destroy records

Ouray County families: If you or your child has been hazed, call us immediately. The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be.

🏔️ Ouray County: A Community That Protects Its Own

Ouray County is more than just a beautiful place — it’s a community that looks out for each other. From the historic town of Ouray to the rugged San Juan Mountains, the people of Ouray County value trust, integrity, and safety.

When Ouray County families send their children to college, they expect them to be safe, respected, and valued. They do not expect them to be tortured, humiliated, or hospitalized.

At Attorney 911, we are committed to protecting Ouray County families — no matter where the harm occurs. If your child has been hazed at a Colorado university, we will fight for them as if they were our own.

📞 Call Attorney 911 Today — Free Consultation for Ouray County Hazing Victims

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

Ouray County families: You are not alone. We are here to help. Call now.