Bid Night at Vincennes results in death of William Torrance

The death of William Torrance at a Vincennes fraternity has haunting echoes occurring as it does the week many antihazing activists recall the death of Chuck Stenzel at an Alfred University Tapping Night function.

KNOX CO., IN (WFIE) –

Police say they believe alcohol was a factor in the death of 19-year-old Vincennes University student William Torrance, after a bid night ceremony at a fraternity.

Some fraternity members tell 14 News, they even canceled their bid night activities Friday night after Torrance was found dead early that morning.

Those who knew the freshman say he’ll be missed.

“For those who actually knew Will, this is kind of a comforting stage,” said Torrance’s friend Jake Johnson.

Johnson says he met Torrance during freshman orientation.

“He always wanted to be outside doing something with his friends,” said Johnson. “He always wanted to be active.”

Vincennes Police say he was found dead early Friday morning at Delta Gamma Iota, where they say minors were drinking the night before.

“This is one of the times where we just have to stick through it,” said Johnson.

The university says Delta Gamma Iota hasn’t been recognized by the campus since Fall 2010, due to unmet requirements. Another fraternity tells 14 News, this event reminds them of the importance of alcohol safety.

“I’m working to stop the underage drinking because we don’t need that kind of risk with us trying to get back onto campus,” said Pi Lambda Phi member Michael Jackson.