A Bowling Green State University student died after an alleged hazing incident involving alcohol, his family’s attorney said.

What You Need To Know

  • Bowling Green State University student, Stone Foltz, 20, of Delaware, Ohio, died after an alleged hazing incident involving alcohol, according to his family’s attorney

  • The university placed the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity on interim suspension and was working with law enforcement investigating what the fraternity’s parent organization called “an alleged incident of alcohol-related hazing at an off-campus event” that left officials “horrified and outraged
  • Folz was found by roommates or friends after the event late Thursday night and was taken to a hospital

  • Attorney Sean Alto said the Foltz family is “gathering all of the facts leading to his untimely death”

In a statement released Sunday night, attorney Sean Alto called the death of Stone Foltz, 20, of Delaware, Ohio, “a tragedy.” Alto said the business major’s family was “gathering all of the facts leading to his untimely death” and had agreed to donate his organs to others.

"The death of Stone Foltz is a tragedy. He was a beloved son, brother, and grandson. At this time we are gathering all of the facts leading to his untimely death and we have no interest in commenting on speculation. However, we do ask that you please show respect and consideration for Stone’s family. Despite their unbearable grief, they agreed to donate Stone’s organs so that others may have a second chance at life," Alto said. 

The university placed the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity on interim suspension and was working with law enforcement investigating what the fraternity’s parent organization called “an alleged incident of alcohol-related hazing at an off-campus event” that left officials “horrified and outraged.”

Folz was found by roommates or friends after the event late Thursday night and was taken to a hospital.

In an email to students and faculty, university President Rodney Rodgers wrote the school mourned the sophomore’s loss and shared in his family’s sorrow.

“This tragic incident has certainly impacted our students and community,” the university said on Twitter, adding that officials were meeting with student leaders “to decide the short- and long-term future of fraternity and sorority life” at the school.

“In the days to come, we will also be reviewing all other student organizations,” the university said.

Gov. DeWine issued a statement about Foltz's death on Monday on Twitter and during a press conference, saying it's imperative Ohio become a hazing-free state.

"Ohio mourns the death of BGSU student Stone Foltz, who died as a result of alleged hazing. His tragic and senseless death should remind us all of the moral imperative for us to drive hazing out of this state," DeWine said on Twitter.

 

During his press conference, DeWine reiterated the need for Ohio to get rid of hazing.

"This tragic and senseless death should remind us all the moral imperative for us to drive hazing out of the state of Ohio. There is a moral imperative that we do this — that we not tolerate it," DeWine said.

Sen. Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green) on Monday said she planned to work on legislation to fight hazing in the following statement about the death of Foltz:

"Just like every parent, I am saddened and sickened by this senseless tragedy. I am committed to working with my colleagues in the coming days to sponsor legislation that addresses a much needed change of campus culture," she said.

Gavarone said on Twitter she will announce plans this week to combat hazing.