Here are two tragic losses being investigated. Please do not assume they are hazing stories. In addition to tracking hazing deaths, I keep a list of deaths involving student groups to look for certain at-risk factors in that group to encourage safety reforms in athletics and Greek life.
Dead: Christine Wampler, 21, of Indiana University after fraternity formal in Louisville.
Delta Zeta holds memorial for Nichole Birky, a sister found dead in her bed.
Repeat: these are non-hazings. Toxicology reports are not in. I’ll follow up when more is reported. Link to Indiana University Alcohol Research and Education site. Moderator Hank Nuwer, part-time instructor, IUPUI
Christine was not in any soroity
Headline has been changed to one athlete and one sorority woman. Miss Wampler was a member of the IU gymnastics team, not a sorority. Thanks to an alert reader for the correction. And our sympathies to the friends and loved ones of these two individuals.
More on Miss Wampler:
http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/3278.html
The unfortunate death of Miss Birky was due to natural causes, according to recent testing. Condolences to her family, sorority friends, and classmates. HN
Christine passed away because of a heart problem called myocarditus (inflamed heart).