Category: Hazing News

Moderator:  This is another in a series of mindless hazing acts that might have had a far more ominous conclusion. Dropoff deaths have occurred at several schools, including Tulane, Grove City College, etc. See Hazing deaths page

In this case, according to a victim statement to police, James Olson, 19, was stripped to his underwear and left in the cold more than a four-hour drive from the University of Iowa campus.

He blamed Pi Kappa Alphas Dick Fiore of Ames, Bill Somberg and Keith E. Winston of Griswold, Iowa, and Duane Nesitaril of Cedar Rapids.

Om This Day in Hazing News: March 15, 1952.

Here’s hoping the University of Pennsylvania Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter learned a lesson for the ages.

New clipping from the Indiana Gazette–Moderator Hank Nuwer

Now the real story! Jack Shanafelt became an outstanding football player (position tackle) and later in life…a war veteran, and an outstanding citizen. Here is his obituary.

TALLMADGE — Jack L. Shanafelt, 81, passed away April 19, 2013.

Born in Akron, Jack lived most of his life in Tallmadge. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1950 and then the University of Pennsylvania in 1954. He earned a football scholarship to UP and obtained the titles: All East 1952-53, All Ivy League 1952-53, and All American 1953. Jack then enlisted and played football for the Army. Jack was inducted in the Summit County football hall of fame. He bravely served in the Korean War. He worked for Goodrich and was proud to be active in his church. Other than his family, Jack loved serving the Lord, eating dessert, and of coarse….Football.

We will miss his feisty playfulness and his bellowing laughter heard clearly across the room. We take comfort in his resting peace.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Judy Stillmeyer.

Jack is survived by his beautiful wife of 50 years, Margaret Mary; daughters, Karen Shanafelt of Tallmadge, Kelly (Tim) Gilcrest of Oklahoma; son, Dr. Michael (Annette) Shanafelt of Mogadore; grandchildren, Alexandra, Noah, Ian and Aidan; brother, Ed (Alberta) Shanafelt of Akron.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 26, 2013 at Our Lady of Victory Church, 73 North Ave. in Tallmadge with Rev. Fr. John Hengle officiating. There will be no procession. Please meet at the church.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Upon further review, Mr. Fred Hoppe survived this scary fall.

Now listed on this site’s Hazing Deaths page

1960

Pi Kappa Phi

Northern Illinois University (Dekalb, IL)

Fatality following unsanctioned pledge party (auto accident)

Alcohol had been provided to pledges and members at an unsanctioned NIU party prior to a horrific collision at 100 mph of a Greyhound bus and speeding, out-of-control 1957 convertible. The force of the impact disintegrated the vehicle into more than 100 pieces and made identification of bodies difficult. Four died in the accident that included one pledge and four senior members in the car. (The bus driver was unhurt, and no passengers were on board). Killed instantly were Harry Lamphier, Jr., 24, freshman William Gustafson, 18, William Kempfer, 19. John Pauls, 19, died later at a hospital. The driver who lived was Raymond Uramkin, a junior, age 20 then and now 80 as of 2019. Three chapter officers faced charges of providing the alcohol, including Dean Schneck.

Moderator: Incredible that in 2025, hazing deaths had been occurring each year since 1959.