West Virginia University Suspends All Fraternities and Sororities Following a 'Catastrophic Medical Emergency'
ByWest Virginia University (WVU) has suspended all fraternity and sorority activity after a medical emergency that involved a student being found at an event unconscious and lacking a pulse.
According to WPXI in Morgantown, W.Va., Nolan Burch, 18, was transported to the hospital early Thursday morning from the school's Kappa Sigma fraternity house. He is currently in intensive care.
Both the Morgantown Police and WVU are investigating the incident and are reportedly interviewing anyone who had contact with Burch before he became unconscious. When police arrived after receiving the 911 call, an officer performed CPR on Burch until the EMS arrived.
WVU released a statement Thursday in which they said school officials held an "emergency meeting" with the Inter-Fraternity Council and Panhellenic Council. The result was all fraternities and sororities being placed on indefinite suspension.
"First, our hearts, prayers and support go out to the student who is gravely ill and his family. Right now that is our utmost concern," Dean of Students Corey Farris, Inter-Fraternity Council President Ansh Kumar and Panhellenic Council President Rachel Poe said in a joint statement.
WDTV reported last week that WVU suspended its Sigma Phi chapter for what was widespread disorderly conduct in South Park, W.Va. 16 were issued criminal citations and three were placed under arrest, mostly for underage consumption and public intoxication. Police later learned the group was affiliated with the fraternity.
"The action to halt fraternity and sorority activities while these matters are being reviewed is being done with the well-being and safety of our students in mind," Farris said in the release. "That is - and must always be - our foremost priority."