Hazing by the Numbers: 1838-2012 by Hank Nuwer

Here is a breakdown on hazing incidents–Moderator Hank Nuwer

First 100 years: 1838-1938

Total Deaths: 26

PRIMARY CAUSE

Alcohol-related 0

Abandoned in country 1

Drowned 2

Details unknown, mysterious circumstances, perhaps a coverup 3

Vehicle Accident 2

Blindfolded and killed in accident 1

Post-hazing fatal illness 6

Non-affiliated bystander killed  1

Electrocuted 1

Heart Failure 1

Beaten or crushed 5

Throat slit by broken bottle 1

Revenge or self-defense killing during a hazing 1

Longest Period without a hazing death prior to 1939: 1847 death (none in 1848) to 1872 (death in 1873)

1940 – 2012

PRIMARY CAUSE of death listed below. In many cases it is unknown if alcohol had been a factor. Where known, I have indicated same. First alcohol-related hazing death: 1940 (more than 100 years since hazing death). Seventy of 137 deaths by hazing had alcohol as a contributing factor; in the other 67 alcohol either was unreported or not involved.

40 Primarily an alcohol overdose:

1 Scavenger hunt

1 Buried alive

1 Burned to death

2 Water torture (heavy alcohol use reported in both pledge periods)

11 Falls  (nine had alcohol as factor)

6 beatings

10 killed during dropoffs (alcohol factor in four deaths)

2 stabbings

15 drownings (nine had alcohol as known factor)

3 post-hazing illnesses

2 choked to death on forced food substances

3 suicides post-hazing

24 auto accidents (5 with alcohol known to be a factor; alcohol in fatalities wasn’t reported as much in earlier years)

10 heat stroke or heart failure related to unusual exertion

3 shot

1 misfired cannon during an otherwise benign initiation

1 electrocution

1 unknown cause (coroner could not determine cause of death)