🚨 Hazing at Colorado Mountain College: Routt County Families Deserve Justice
Steamboat Springs, CO — Routt County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe, to learn, and to grow. They don’t expect them to be waterboarded. They don’t expect them to be forced to do 500 squats until their muscles break down. They don’t expect them to end up in the hospital with kidney failure.
But this is exactly what happened to a young man in Texas at the University of Houston — and the same type of hazing happens right here in Routt County at institutions like Colorado Mountain College.
At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now. We’ve filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for what they did to our client. The same fraternities, the same national organizations, the same negligent oversight exists right here in Routt County. If your child has been hazed at Colorado Mountain College or any other institution in Northwest Colorado, we will fight for you with the same aggression.
🏔️ Hazing in Routt County: It’s Closer Than You Think
Routt County is known for its stunning landscapes, world-class skiing, and tight-knit community. But beneath the surface of our beautiful mountain towns, a dangerous culture persists in our colleges and universities.
Colorado Mountain College (CMC) has campuses throughout Northwest Colorado, including Steamboat Springs. While CMC doesn’t have traditional Greek life like large universities, hazing can — and does — occur in:
- Athletic teams
- Outdoor recreation clubs
- Ski and snowboard teams
- Student government organizations
- Honor societies
- Residential life programs
- ROTC and military-affiliated groups
Hazing isn’t limited to fraternities. Any organization that uses abuse, humiliation, or physical danger as “initiation” is engaging in hazing — and it’s illegal in Colorado.
Colorado’s Anti-Hazing Law: What Routt County Families Need to Know
Colorado has a strong anti-hazing law (C.R.S. § 18-9-124) that makes hazing a Class 3 misdemeanor. If hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a Class 4 felony.
Under Colorado law, hazing includes:
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
- Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, branding)
- Sleep deprivation
- Exposure to extreme weather without proper clothing
- Confinement in small spaces
- Any activity that creates a substantial risk of physical injury
Most importantly: CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization is still liable.
💔 What Happened in Texas Could Happen in Routt County
Our client, Leonel Bermudez, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. He wasn’t even a student at UH yet — he was a “ghost rush,” expected to transfer for the upcoming semester.
What followed was weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that hospitalized him with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.
The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Our Client
These weren’t “harmless pranks.” This was torture disguised as tradition:
| Activity | What Happened | Why It’s Dangerous |
|---|---|---|
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning with a garden hose while doing calisthenics | Risk of actual drowning; psychological trauma |
| 500+ Squats | Forced to perform 500+ squats as punishment | Caused rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) |
| 100+ Pushups | Forced to perform 100+ pushups | Extreme physical exertion |
| Wooden Paddles | Struck with wooden paddles | Physical assault; risk of serious injury |
| Forced Eating | Large amounts of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting | Risk of choking; forced consumption |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced to drive members during early morning hours | Exhaustion; risk of accidents |
| Cold Exposure | Forced to strip to underwear in cold weather | Risk of hypothermia |
| Psychological Abuse | Carrying a fanny pack with sexual objects; threats of expulsion | Humiliation; emotional trauma |
| Hog-Tying | Another pledge hog-tied face-down on table for over an hour | False imprisonment; risk of injury |
The result: Leonel Bermudez couldn’t walk. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. His muscles broke down, releasing toxins into his bloodstream. His kidneys failed. He spent four days in the hospital.
This didn’t happen in some far-off place. This happened at a major university — and it can happen right here in Routt County.
🏥 The Medical Reality: Hazing Can Kill
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It has real, life-threatening medical consequences:
Rhabdomyolysis: When Muscles Break Down
What it is: The rapid breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein (myoglobin) into the bloodstream.
What causes it in hazing:
- Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
- Prolonged muscle compression
- Trauma (being struck with paddles)
Symptoms:
- Severe muscle pain
- Weakness
- Dark brown or tea-colored urine
- Difficulty moving
Dangers:
- Acute kidney failure (myoglobin clogs kidneys)
- Cardiac arrhythmias (electrolyte imbalances)
- Compartment syndrome (swelling requires surgery)
- Death
Treatment requires hospitalization with IV fluids and intensive monitoring.
Other Medical Consequences of Hazing
| Condition | Cause | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced binge drinking | Death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beatings; falls | Permanent disability |
| Hypothermia | Exposure to cold | Organ failure; death |
| Heat Stroke | Extreme exercise in heat | Organ failure; death |
| Internal Injuries | Blunt force trauma | Life-threatening bleeding |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Psychological abuse | Long-term mental health issues |
| Suicide | Extreme humiliation; depression | Death |
Hazing doesn’t just risk injury — it risks lives.
🏛️ Who Is Liable? The Institutions That Enable Hazing
When hazing happens, everyone involved is liable — not just the individuals who participated.
For Hazing in Routt County, These Entities Can Be Sued:
| Entity | Basis for Liability |
|---|---|
| The Organization (team, club, group) | Directly conducted hazing |
| Organization Leaders (captains, presidents) | Directed or allowed hazing |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing |
| Coaches/Advisors | Failed to supervise; allowed culture |
| Colorado Mountain College | Failed to prevent hazing; premises liability |
| National Organizations (if applicable) | Failed to supervise local chapter |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for damages |
In our Texas case, we’re suing:
- The local fraternity chapter
- The national fraternity organization
- The university (which owned the fraternity house)
- Individual members
- Former members who hosted hazing
The same liability framework applies to Routt County institutions.
💰 The Cost of Hazing: Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Here’s what juries and courts have awarded in recent cases:
| Case | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Death from forced drinking | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Death from forced drinking | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Death from forced drinking and falls | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Death from forced drinking | Confidential settlement |
| Our Case | University of Houston | Rhabdomyolysis/kidney failure | $10 million lawsuit filed |
These aren’t exceptions. They’re the norm. When organizations engage in hazing, they pay millions.
Why These Verdicts Matter for Routt County
These cases prove:
- Juries hate hazing. They award millions when students are abused.
- Universities and organizations have deep pockets. They can afford to pay.
- Criminal charges may follow. Hazing can be a felony.
- Laws change because of these cases. The Max Gruver Act made hazing a felony in Louisiana.
Routt County families deserve the same justice. Your child deserves the same accountability.
⚠️ Warning Signs: Is Your Child Being Hazed in Routt County?
Hazing is often hidden. Organizations know it’s illegal, so they pressure victims to stay silent. But there are warning signs:
Physical Signs:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
- Signs of exhaustion or sleep deprivation
- Weight loss or signs of malnutrition
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Complaints of muscle pain or weakness
Behavioral Signs:
- Sudden withdrawal from friends or activities
- Increased anxiety or depression
- Fear of certain people or places
- Reluctance to talk about their organization
- Sudden drop in academic performance
- Avoidance of social media or phone
- Increased secrecy
Organizational Signs:
- Late-night meetings or activities
- Required “tasks” or “challenges”
- Pressure to drink alcohol
- Being asked to keep secrets
- Sudden changes in behavior after joining a group
If you notice these signs, your child may be a victim of hazing.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Routt County
If your child has been hazed in Routt County, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations run out.
Step 1: Ensure Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately.
- Seek medical attention if they have any injuries or symptoms.
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
- Take photos of any injuries.
- Save all communications — texts, emails, social media messages, GroupMe chats.
- Document everything — dates, times, locations, what happened.
- Get witness names and contact information.
Step 3: Report the Incident
- Report to Colorado Mountain College — Contact the Dean of Students or Title IX office.
- Report to law enforcement — Hazing is a crime in Colorado.
- Report to the organization’s national headquarters (if applicable).
Step 4: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel
- The organization will try to control the narrative.
- They may offer a settlement that waives your rights.
- They may pressure your child to stay silent.
Step 5: Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- We offer free consultations for hazing victims.
- We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
- We will protect your rights and fight for justice.
⏳ The Clock Is Ticking: Colorado’s Statute of Limitations
In Colorado, you have only 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit.
Do not wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses move away. Memories fade.
If your child was hazed in Routt County, call us today.
🏔️ Why Routt County Families Choose Attorney 911
We’re not just any law firm. We’re hazing litigation experts with a proven track record:
✅ We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
- We’ve filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
- We’re in the fight right now — and we’ll bring the same aggression to Routt County cases.
✅ We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- We know how insurance companies think.
- We know how they try to minimize claims.
- We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
✅ We Have Federal Court Authority
- We can pursue your case in federal court.
- We’re licensed in Texas and New York — strategic advantage for national organizations.
✅ We Travel to Routt County
- We will come to Steamboat Springs, Craig, or any other Routt County location for your case.
- Distance is not a barrier to justice.
✅ We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront
- You pay nothing unless we win.
- No hourly fees. No retainers.
- We take the risk so you can fight back.
✅ We Speak Spanish
- Se habla español.
- No language barriers to justice.
✅ We Have a Proven Track Record
- 4.9-star Google rating with 250+ reviews.
- Millions recovered for personal injury victims.
- Aggressive representation that gets results.
📞 Routt County Families: Call Now — 1-888-ATTY-911
If your child has been hazed at Colorado Mountain College, a high school team, a club, or any other organization in Routt County, you have rights.
Call Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9111)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Routt County and all of Northwest Colorado. We come to you. We fight for you. We win for you.
🚨 Don’t Let Them Get Away With It. Hold Them Accountable.
Enough is enough. It’s time to end the culture of hazing in Routt County. It’s time to hold organizations accountable. It’s time to protect our children.
If your child has been hazed, call us now. 1-888-ATTY-911.
