🛡️🚨 Hazing Justice for Pike County Families: How Attorney 911 Fights for Arkansas Students
When “Tradition” Becomes Torture: The Hazing Crisis Hits Close to Home in Pike County
Pike County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their kids. They believe Greek organizations will provide positive experiences.
But for too many students across America—and right here in Arkansas—those expectations are shattered by hazing.
Hazing isn’t harmless fun. It isn’t “building character.” It isn’t “brotherhood.”
It’s abuse. It’s assault. Sometimes it’s torture. And in Pike County, it’s happening right now.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded with a garden hose. He was forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down. He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure.
The same fraternities operate at universities near Pike County. The same hazing “traditions” exist here. And we’re ready to fight for Pike County families with the same fury we’re bringing to this case.
🏛️ The Hazing Reality in Arkansas: What Pike County Families Need to Know
Arkansas Has a Hazing Problem
While Arkansas hasn’t seen the same high-profile hazing deaths as other states, the culture exists here too. Universities across Arkansas—including those near Pike County—have active Greek life with documented hazing issues:
- University of Arkansas (Fayetteville) – One of the largest Greek systems in the state with multiple hazing investigations over the years
- Arkansas State University (Jonesboro) – Greek organizations with documented hazing violations
- University of Central Arkansas (Conway) – Hazing incidents reported in recent years
- Henderson State University (Arkadelphia) – Close to Pike County, with Greek life presence
- Ouachita Baptist University (Arkadelphia) – Private university with Greek organizations
The same national fraternities involved in our $10 million lawsuit have chapters at Arkansas universities:
| Fraternity | Arkansas Chapters | Hazing History |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | University of Arkansas | Currently suing for $10M (UH case) |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | University of Arkansas | Multiple national hazing deaths |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | University of Arkansas, Arkansas State | Stone Foltz death (2021) |
| Sigma Chi | University of Arkansas | $10M+ settlements nationally |
| Kappa Sigma | University of Arkansas | Multiple hazing lawsuits |
| Phi Delta Theta | University of Arkansas | Max Gruver death (2017) |
If your child is pledging any of these organizations near Pike County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.
⚠️ What Hazing Looks Like: The Warning Signs for Pike County Parents
Hazing takes many forms, and it’s often hidden from parents and university officials. Pike County families should watch for these red flags:
Physical Hazing:
- Extreme physical exercise (500 squats, 100+ pushups, forced runs)
- Sleep deprivation (late-night activities, early morning workouts)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances until vomiting)
- Physical abuse (paddling, hitting, branding)
- Exposure to elements (standing outside in cold weather, water spraying)
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning (yes, this happens)
Psychological Hazing:
- Humiliation rituals (forced to wear embarrassing clothing, carry sexual objects)
- Servitude (acting as personal servants to members)
- Isolation from friends and family
- Threats of expulsion or physical harm
- Sleep deprivation affecting academic performance
- Being forced to lie about activities
Sexual Hazing:
- Forced nudity
- Sexualized “games” or rituals
- Carrying sexual objects
- Sexual assault or harassment
Pike County parents: If your child shows any of these signs, it may indicate hazing:
- Unexplained bruises, injuries, or weight loss
- Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
- Sudden changes in behavior (anxiety, depression, withdrawal)
- Avoiding questions about Greek life activities
- Missing classes or declining academic performance
- Suddenly avoiding certain people or places
- Unexplained financial expenses
💔 The Medical Consequences: What Hazing Does to Pike County Students
Hazing doesn’t just cause temporary discomfort. It causes permanent damage.
Physical Injuries We’ve Seen:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure) – This is what our current client suffered
- Acute kidney failure – Our client spent 4 days in the hospital
- Alcohol poisoning – Can be fatal
- Traumatic brain injuries – From beatings or falls
- Broken bones – From physical abuse
- Internal bleeding – From severe beatings
- Hypothermia/hyperthermia – From exposure
- Cardiac arrest – From extreme physical exertion
Psychological Trauma:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Suicidal ideation
- Trust issues
- Social withdrawal
- Academic decline
Long-Term Consequences:
- Chronic health conditions (kidney disease, heart problems)
- Permanent physical disabilities
- Substance abuse (self-medicating trauma)
- Career limitations (PTSD, health issues)
- Relationship difficulties (trust issues, emotional trauma)
Pike County families: These aren’t hypothetical risks. These are real medical conditions we’re seeing in hazing victims right now.
⚖️ Arkansas Hazing Laws: What Pike County Families Can Do Legally
Arkansas Criminal Law: Hazing is a Crime
Arkansas Code § 6-5-206 – Hazing
Definition of Hazing:
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off the campus of any school, college, university, or other educational institution in this state, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization.
Criminal Penalties:
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days in jail, $1,000 fine |
| Class A Misdemeanor | If serious physical injury results – Up to 1 year in jail, $2,500 fine |
| Class D Felony | If death results – Up to 6 years in prison, $10,000 fine |
Critical Note: Consent is NOT a defense in Arkansas, just like in Texas.
Pike County families: If your child was hazed, criminal charges may be filed against the perpetrators.
Civil Lawsuits: Holding Institutions Accountable
While criminal charges punish individuals, civil lawsuits hold institutions accountable and provide compensation for victims.
Who Can Be Sued in Pike County Hazing Cases:
- Local fraternity/sorority chapter – Directly organized and conducted hazing
- National fraternity/sorority organization – Failed to supervise, enforce policies
- University/college – Failed to protect students, premises liability
- Individual members – Participated in or facilitated hazing
- Alumni – Allowed hazing at their properties
- Housing corporations – Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred
Types of Damages Pike County Families Can Recover:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages (current and future earning capacity)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
- Educational disruption costs
Pike County families: Civil lawsuits can provide the financial resources your child needs for medical treatment, therapy, and recovery.
💰 The Financial Reality: Hazing Cases Win Millions
Recent Hazing Verdicts and Settlements:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential |
| Adam Oakes | Delta Chi | Virginia Commonwealth | Settlement | $4+ million |
Pike County families: These results are possible for Arkansas victims too. The same legal strategies apply in Arkansas courts.
🏢 Who We Sue: The Deep Pockets in Pike County Hazing Cases
1. National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations
Why They’re Liable:
- They have millions in assets and insurance
- They know about hazing risks (Andrew Coffey died at Pi Kappa Phi in 2017)
- They failed to supervise their Pike County-area chapters
- They failed to enforce their own anti-hazing policies
- They have pattern evidence of hazing at multiple chapters
Example: Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide. If one chapter is hazing, how many others are too?
2. Universities and Colleges Near Pike County
Why They’re Liable:
- They have a duty to protect students
- They own or control fraternity/sorority houses in many cases
- They know hazing happens (prior incidents at many universities)
- They failed to implement effective oversight
- They have substantial insurance coverage
Pike County universities with Greek life:
- University of Arkansas
- Arkansas State University
- University of Central Arkansas
- Henderson State University
- Ouachita Baptist University
3. Individual Perpetrators
Why They’re Liable:
- They directly participated in hazing
- They failed to stop hazing they witnessed
- They created unsafe conditions
- They can be personally sued and face criminal charges
Example: In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.
🚨 Our Current Case: The $10 Million Fight That Shows What’s Possible for Pike County
The Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Case: What Happened
Victim: Leonel Bermudez (not even a UH student yet – “ghost rush”)
What They Did to Him:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
- Made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Threatened with expulsion if he stopped
Result:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
- Acute kidney failure
- 4 days in the hospital
- Permanent health consequences
Our Response:
- $10 million lawsuit filed November 21, 2025
- Multiple media outlets covered the case (ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media)
- Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter (but said they “look forward to returning”)
Pike County families: This is what hazing looks like. This is what we’re fighting. And this is what we’ll fight for in Pike County too.
🎯 Why Pike County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing case. We know the defendants, their tactics, and how to win.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know how they think. We know their playbook. And we use that knowledge against them.
3. Federal Court Authority
We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction when needed.
4. Dual-State Licensed
Licensed in Texas AND New York – strategic advantage for cases against national organizations headquartered out of state.
5. We’ll Travel to Pike County
We come to you for depositions, meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier.
6. Bilingual Services
Se habla español. We serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers.
7. Contingency Fee – $0 Upfront
Pike County families pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
8. We Understand the Culture
Ralph Manginello was a hall of fame athlete and youth coach. He understands team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures that lead to hazing.
📋 What Pike County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed
Immediate Steps:
- Get medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked
- Preserve evidence – Save all texts, photos, videos, social media
- Document everything – Write down what happened, when, who was involved
- Get witness information – Names and contact info of other victims/witnesses
- Don’t talk to the organization – They will try to control the narrative
- Don’t post on social media – Anything you post can be used against you
- Contact Attorney 911 immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911
Why Time is Critical:
- Evidence disappears (organizations delete messages, destroy documents)
- Witnesses forget details over time
- Statute of limitations (2 years in Arkansas for personal injury)
- Medical records need to be preserved
- Insurance companies will try to contact you immediately
Pike County families: The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
🔍 How We Build Pike County Hazing Cases
1. Evidence Preservation
- Digital evidence: Texts, emails, social media, GroupMe chats
- Physical evidence: Photos of injuries, hazing locations, items used
- Medical records: Hospital records, doctor’s notes, therapy records
- Witness statements: Other pledges, bystanders
2. Pattern Evidence
- Prior incidents at the same chapter
- Prior incidents at other chapters of the same fraternity
- National organization’s knowledge of hazing problems
- University’s knowledge of prior hazing incidents
3. Expert Witnesses
- Medical experts – To explain injuries and long-term consequences
- Hazing culture experts – To explain the organizational dynamics
- Economic experts – To calculate future medical costs and lost earning capacity
- Psychological experts – To document PTSD, anxiety, depression
4. Aggressive Litigation
- Multiple defendants – We sue everyone responsible
- Punitive damages – To punish egregious conduct
- Media strategy – To create public pressure
- Legislative advocacy – To change laws and prevent future hazing
🏥 Common Hazing Injuries We Handle for Pike County Families
Physical Injuries:
| Injury | What It Is | Long-Term Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown releasing toxins into bloodstream | Kidney failure, permanent kidney damage, dialysis, transplant |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Kidneys stop filtering waste | Chronic kidney disease, dialysis, transplant, death |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Overdose of alcohol | Brain damage, death, long-term health issues |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Severe head injury from falls/beatings | Cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes |
| Broken Bones | Fractures from physical abuse | Chronic pain, limited mobility, arthritis |
| Internal Bleeding | Bleeding inside body from trauma | Organ damage, death |
| Hypothermia | Dangerously low body temperature | Frostbite, tissue death, cardiac issues |
| Heat Stroke | Dangerously high body temperature | Organ failure, brain damage, death |
| Compartment Syndrome | Swelling in muscles cutting off blood flow | Permanent muscle/nerve damage, amputation |
Psychological Injuries:
| Condition | Symptoms | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|
| PTSD | Flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety | Difficulty functioning, relationship problems, career limitations |
| Anxiety Disorders | Excessive worry, panic attacks | Difficulty with daily activities, social withdrawal |
| Depression | Persistent sadness, loss of interest | Suicidal ideation, inability to work/study |
| Suicidal Ideation | Thoughts of self-harm | Immediate danger requiring intervention |
| Trust Issues | Difficulty trusting others | Relationship problems, social isolation |
| Social Withdrawal | Avoiding people and activities | Academic decline, career limitations |
| Substance Abuse | Using drugs/alcohol to cope | Addiction, health problems, legal issues |
📞 Pike County Families: Your Legal Emergency Hotline
If your child has been hazed in Pike County or anywhere in Arkansas, call us immediately:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Pike County hazing emergencies
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We offer:
- Free case evaluation for Pike County families
- Video consultations – no need to travel
- Immediate evidence preservation guidance
- Aggressive legal representation against powerful institutions
Remember: Pike County families pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
🎓 To Universities Near Pike County: A Warning
To the administrators at University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, University of Central Arkansas, Henderson State University, Ouachita Baptist University, and all other Arkansas institutions:
We are watching. We know hazing happens on your campuses. We know you have the power to stop it. And we know you’ll be held accountable when you don’t.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your institution.
If you own fraternity houses where hazing occurs, you’re liable.
If you knew about prior hazing incidents and did nothing, you’re liable.
If you failed to implement effective oversight, you’re liable.
The choice is yours:
- Clean up your Greek system now – before another Pike County family suffers
- Or face us in court – where we’ll use your own records to prove your negligence
🏛️ To National Fraternities with Arkansas Chapters: Your Reckoning Has Arrived
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, and all other national Greek organizations:
We know your chapters in Arkansas. We know your playbook. We know you’ve paid millions in settlements already.
Andrew Coffey died at Pi Kappa Phi in 2017. Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized at Pi Kappa Phi in 2025. That’s 8 years of knowing about deadly hazing and doing nothing.
Your Arkansas chapters are next.
We track your house corporations. We know your insurance policies. We know your corporate structures. And we know how to hold you accountable.
The message is simple:
- Stop the hazing – or
- Pay the price – in courtrooms across America, including Arkansas
🔥 To Pike County Fraternities: We Are Coming for You
If your chapter operates near Pike County, know this:
We have the names of your members. We have the names of your officers. We have the names of your alumni advisors.
If you haze students, we will find out.
If you haze students, we will sue you.
If you haze students, we will shut you down.
The Pi Kappa Phi chapter at University of Houston?
- SHUT DOWN after our lawsuit
- Charter surrendered
- Criminal referrals initiated
That’s what happens when you haze in Arkansas.
🏆 Our Track Record: Why Pike County Families Trust Us
High-Profile Case Experience:
- BP Texas City Explosion Litigation – Multi-billion dollar mass tort case
- $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit – Currently litigating against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
- Ryan Smith Case – High-profile criminal defense with ABC13 coverage
- Assault Family Member Case – Secured trial dismissal
- Federal Civil Rights Cases – U.S. Second Circuit experience
Client Testimonials:
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” – Dame Haskett
“The Manginello Law Firm treated me with honesty and respect from the very beginning.” – Debra Cambric-Chisolm
“I’ve had many lawyers and Ralph is by far the best one.” – Cassie Wright
“We’ve been family friends your whole life! Thank you for trusting us for over 20 years.” – Attorney 911 response to Ariel Strawn
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Pike County Families
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: Your child may be afraid of retaliation or social consequences. This is understandable, but it’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence. Contact us for a confidential consultation. We can advise you on how to protect your child’s rights while respecting their wishes.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the activities. Is that a defense?
A: No. Arkansas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law doesn’t allow that as an excuse.
Q: We’re in Pike County. Can you really help us?
A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we serve clients nationwide. We offer video consultations and travel to Pike County for important meetings and depositions. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: How much will this cost us?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, so there’s no financial risk to your family.
Q: How long will the case take?
A: Every case is different. Some settle within months; others take years if they go to trial. We’ll work aggressively to resolve your case as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.
Q: Can we sue even if criminal charges aren’t filed?
A: Yes. Criminal and civil cases are separate. Even if no criminal charges are filed, you can still pursue a civil lawsuit for compensation.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand this fear is real. We can take steps to protect your child’s identity during legal proceedings. Many victims are afraid to come forward, but speaking out can prevent future hazing incidents.
Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can we still sue?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to supervise Greek organizations. If they failed to implement proper oversight, they can be held liable even if they claim they didn’t know. We’ll investigate what the university knew and when they knew it.
📚 Educational Resources for Pike County Families
1. Know Your Rights: Arkansas Hazing Laws
- Arkansas Code § 6-5-206 – Hazing
- University of Arkansas Student Handbook – Hazing Policy
- Arkansas State University Greek Life Policies
2. Warning Signs of Hazing
3. Medical Information
4. National Hazing Databases
🚀 The Pike County Hazing Justice Initiative
At Attorney 911, we’re not just representing individual clients. We’re leading a movement to end hazing in Arkansas.
Our Pike County Hazing Justice Initiative Includes:
- Legal Representation – Aggressive advocacy for hazing victims
- Legislative Advocacy – Working with Arkansas lawmakers to strengthen hazing laws
- Public Education – Raising awareness about hazing dangers
- University Accountability – Pressuring institutions to implement real reforms
- National Coordination – Working with hazing prevention organizations nationwide
Pike County families: Join us in this fight. Your child’s case could save lives.
🎖️ Final Message to Pike County Families
If your child has been hazed, you are not alone.
You are not powerless.
And you do not have to accept “tradition” as an excuse for abuse.
At Attorney 911, we’ve seen what hazing does to families. We’ve seen the hospital bills. We’ve seen the trauma. We’ve seen the broken trust.
But we’ve also seen justice. We’ve seen institutions held accountable. We’ve seen policies change. And we’ve seen other families protected because one brave victim stepped forward.
Your child’s case could be the one that stops hazing in Arkansas.
Call us. Tell us your story. Let’s fight together.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Pike County families: Justice starts with your call.
