Her untimely passing is the second death with an apparent connection to Greek organizations at BU over a span of 20 months. Feb 27, 2021. He declined to comment on whether police were probing a connection to Greek organizations. His hometown mourns. x\mo8 ERHvmw8_Rca]Hp! * Gay rights activist Chaz Bono, 54. Author: dk Created Date: 3/1/2021 3:23:44 PM . Although, police said Monday foul play does not seem to be involved. Ax falls on Greek Life - The Voice Justin P. King, 18, of Gilbertsville, Montgomery County, had been at Bloomsburg University for only three weeks when his body was found on a walking . May 14, 2021, at 2:47 p.m. Bloomsburg University Eliminates Fraternities, Sororities. R/C RACEWAY FACEBOOK GROUP. The moment BU administration demoted itself to a counting firm whose single-minded focus is . Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania has disbanded Geek life after years of alleged hazing, alcohol abuse and sexual assault. Justin King, 18, of Gilbertsville, was given liquor, including a mixture with vodka known as jungle juice or blackout water, participated in a crate race a game involving large amounts of alcohol consumption over little time and later fell down a 75-foot embankment, where he was found the next morning, says the wrongful-death lawsuit filed in state court in Luzerne County by his mother, Carol King. Its a young life cut short. After an 18-year-old freshman, Justin King, fell to his death in September 2019, a wrongful death lawsuit filed by his family said he had consumed alcohol at a fraternity or sorority rush party . The school said it suspended new member intake for the entire Greek system and is making all fraternity and sorority members undergo new anti-hazing training immediately. We believe students are best served and held accountable through collaboration between host institutions, inter/national fraternities and advisors, the group said. Kings was the first of four student deaths to occur at Bloomsburg this semester, more than school officials said they could remember ever happening in one semester. * Articles of incorporation - 1789: The Constitution of the United States went into effect as the first Federal Congress met in New York. A spokesman told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the universitys decision was unrelated to Burkes death, which the county coroner said is not considered suspicious nor was it trauma related, and nothing nefarious was involved., Although Burkes death was not blamed on the fraternity, it was not the first fatal incident in which a Bloomsburg fraternity was involved. Burke's death is under investigation. The arrest occurred yesterday (February 23), nearly two years after the death of Marshall Luppke, a 22 year-old resident of Yucca Valley. Bloomsburg University 2021 Football Preview with Coach Sheptock. November 3, 2021 (41 years old) View obituary. Feb 27, 2021. also linked to Greek life as he attended a fraternity rush party and was given excess amounts of alcohol prior to his death. Bloomsburg University President Bashar Hanna informed BU faculty members this morning about the death of Leah Burke. Legacy.com reports daily on death announcements in local . John Hirschauer is a staff writer for RealClearFoundation. When asked whether he was hazed during his time in a fraternity many years ago, Horras said that he was. . Bloomsburg University was founded on the belief that opportunity is created by those determined to achieve more. In the King case, Kappa Sigma declined comment, and Alpha Sigma Tau did not respond immediately to an email seeking comment. (Eck) Kriner of Almedia and the late Edward E. Kriner. Born in Bedford, Mass. On March 14, 2021, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department responded to a . In late January 2021, four Greek life organizations, Sigma Iota Omega (), Chi . Asked about the process by which the school reached its decision, spokesman Thomas McGuire told RealClearEducation that it was a University administrative decision and declined to comment further. They went out on their own and broke policy," he said. Get a weekly list of events happening in North Central Pa.! Underscoring its importance, the Greek life office will report directly to Bloomsburg President Bashar Hanna, McGuire said. endobj Dr. Ganahl was one of Seans professors at Bloomsburg University. When students want to go back home to the funeral services or the memorial services we get together a bus or a van and we go with some of the staff to the services with them., Students on campus Tuesday said they feel supported by the university in these difficult times, Its one of the reasons I came here, says Tristen Wade, a Bloomsburg University student. Ronald W. Gainer, Bishop of Harrisburg, has granted a dispensation from the obligation to BLOOMSBURG -- Beth Israel Congregation is celebrating Purim with the reading of the Book of Esther, cookie baking and ELYSBURG -- Elysburg United Methodist Church will host its third annual Drive Through with the Easter Bunny on Sunday, DANVILLE -- A Lenten Reflection Day will be held Saturday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Cyril Spiritual BLOOMSBURG -- Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ is holding Lenten lunches every Tuesday during Lent from noon-1 BLOOMSBURG -- A free Chili, Soup and Movie Night will be held Friday, March 10, at 6 p.m. at Buckhorn United Methodist "It can be cold and stormy in early March. His mother said he pledged because he was searching for belonging. However Bloomsburg Chief of Police Roger Van Loan said in a press release Friday afternoon that they have concluded Burke did not fall. Bloomsburg, Pa. Police released details today surrounding the death investigation of Bloomsburg University nursing student Leah Burke on May 8, stating her death may have been attributed to an undiagnosed medical condition. Anyone who may have firsthand information relating to Burke's death may contact Officer Nicholas Szkodny at (570) 317-2846 ext. Ax falls on Greek Life. Without hazing, how would they decide who is a real man?" . Bloomsburg University earned its first Make-A-Wish reveal in 2018. (Students interested in joining a Greek organization typically attend events as part of the rush process.) The university has had a long history of issues with Greek Life, including the death of student Justin King in 2019. Peggy Lee 5/14/2021 . After co-education began on most campuses, fraternities went from being institutions meant mostly to reinforce and protect class distinctions on campus to also "becoming a primary way that young men define themselves as men," he said. <> On the phone, Rao sounded shaken by Oakes' death. Oakes wasn't the first Delta Chi member or pledge to die after being hazed. Students must feel so exposed now that they can't hide their crimes behind Greek letters. After his death, both the school and the fraternity offered their condolences. Five students have died this academic year. Lawyer Tom Kline, who is part of the same firm representing Carol King, has represented Piazzas parents in a lawsuit against members of that Penn State fraternity, Beta Theta Pi. The student suffered severe damage to his esophagus, had a perforated stomach, and was in intensive care, the website said. Would you like to receive our daily morning newsletter? They egg them on All you voters that voted for Fetterman, for Pennsylvania, I hope you're happy. The university was not a subject of the litigation and implemented a zero-tolerance policy for misbehavior in Greek organizations in December 2019. The sorority was suspended for four years. ];;{}u[F%$9+d9-''NO^ Burkes roommates started a GoFundMe to help her family with expenses. Post a nas See more 109,030 people like this 108,940 people follow this 166,260 people checked in here The parent also said the investigator for the state system had questioned members of a fraternity. NIC sent RealClearEducation a statement expressing its frustration with the universitys decision. The university made no mention of Kings death and said it had been considering such changes for months. The mother of an 18-year-old Bloomsburg University freshman from Montgomery County who died in 2019 after attending a fraternity rush party is suing the fraternity, a sorority that hosted the event, and 36 of their members, alleging that they plied her son with liquor as part of an initiation process. Their deaths have renewed calls for Greek life reform, but the question remains: Can fraternities exist without hazing? $20, $15, $10, Free. D.A. Like every death, the coming to an end of Brian Carter life has sent . The state-owned university said it has severed ties with all 16 of its fraternities and . Bloomsburg Ditches Its Fraternities and Sororities. The suit alleges that King became disoriented from the drinking, was unable to find his way back to his dorm room, and fell to his death. >3]v\*%4(W'el//'_NO[rwq .]]23ljJBEW/m+g$S5j{0|Qy=Z=a DsS"9[ Yet the death of Foltz may provide a foil to Horras' argument. Bloomsburg University wants students to know they are here to help them get through this difficult time by providing different services including transportation. Bloomsburg, Pa., police are investigating the September death of a college student from the Philadelphia area who died hours after he left his dormitory to attend a fraternity party. Ralph Feather Obituary (1946 - 2021) - Export, PA More. Ten years later, another Delta Chi fraternity member died, this time at New Mexico State University. Bloomsburg University, a public university in Pennsylvania, announced on May 13 that it is terminating its relationship with all fraternities and sororities formerly associated with the school. Nov 27, 2021. Tara was announced dead on October 16th, 2021. Bloomsburg, Pa., police are investigating the September death of a college student from the Philadelphia area who died hours after he left his dormitory to attend a fraternity party. More. 100% of your contribution to NorthcentralPa.com goes directly to helping us cover news and events in the region. A college student eager to make new friends and find a community decides to pledge a fraternity. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. "They need to publicly be held accountable, they need to be expelled from school, and everyone needs to see that as an example.". A complete obituary will be BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) -- Serbia's beleaguered LGBTQ activists on Friday rallied to demand state action following a Former school custodian enjoyed carnivals. Brian Carter Obituary Bloomsburg, PA, Death. Find an obituary, get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers or gifts in memory of a loved one. Bri . University officials say Sean Lenahan, 22, was found dead in his . <> The theme is "No More Silence." County Jail Mugshots Texas, Justin P. King, 18, of Gilbertsville, Montgomery County, had been at Bloomsburg University for only three weeks when his body was found on a walking trail near . The Bloomsburg Police Department immediately opened an investigation. Medveckus is the third Bloomsburg student to pass away this semester. Talented Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, sophomore level nursing student, Leah Burke died on May, 2021, causing so much heartbreak and agony to the beloved family. Web Design : https://iccleveland.org/wp-content/themes/icc/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg. King arrived at the sorority house at 10:42 p.m., and the party continued there until 12:05 a.m., the suit said. According to BUNow, Burke died after "an incidenton the outdoor stairs at the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity house at 373 East Third St., Bloomsburg, according to students familiar with the situation.". Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, she started her clinical experiences this academic year. The Huskies improved to 3-7 for the year, and 2-5 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East play, while the . Theyll have an 18-month period to put all that in place, said university spokesman Tom McGuire. Mark E. Zapotosky, 60, of Bloomsburg passed away Sunday at St. Luke's Pavilion, Hazleton.Born Aug. 12, 1961, he was the son of Dolores M. (Kodak) Zapotosky of McAdoo and the late Emil J. Zapotosky. With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Allen Martz (Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania), who passed away on November 6, 2021 at the age of 88. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Robert "Bob" Harpster. Under the Greek life crackdown, Bloomsburg unveiled rules that include zero tolerance for hazing, and new requirements that chapters create and submit a risk management policy and a recruitment plan for approval. Bloomsburg eliminates all fraternities and sororities after months of misconduct. For whatever ails its fraternities and sororities, punishing the innocent cannot be the cure.. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Kathy Oldroyd (Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania), who passed away on January 22, 2021, at the age of 65, leaving to mourn family and friends. A Bloomsburg University student from Lackawanna County died over the weekend. endobj Access to independent, local news is important, do you agree? She resided in Northumberland since 1995 and previously lived in Pine Grove. All Greek life at Bloomsburg is halted permanently following the tragic death of two students and a string of recent transgressions. View obituary. To gain entrance, he has to suffer through a series of hazing rituals. John M. Urban, 75, of Bloomsburg died Monday afternoon, a patient of Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.John was born Tuesday, July 16, 1946, in Hazleton, a son of the late John W. and Mary J. Feb 26, 2021. He was their light. Barbara Hope Rounds, 74, of Lewistown, passed away Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, at Geisinger-Lewis- town Hospital. The closer you were to Sean the deeper it hurts, says Dr. Ganahl. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this death. Greenberg argued that the public universitys decision to disaffiliate from all Greek-life organizations violated the spirit of the First Amendment. On Feb. 27 and March 7, two more names were added to the abject list: those of Adam Oakes and Stone Foltz. Published: October 22, 2021. IE 11 is not supported. Authorities are now releasing some details regarding the investigation into the death of a Bloomsburg University student back on Saturday, May 8th. Leah Burke Bloomsburg Car Accident - Death : Leah Burke Has Died. Anna William. Get the latest Job listings in your email! BLOOMSBURG, Pa. (AP) Bloomsburg University is doing away with Greek life, effective immediately. She wrote: Dr. Rogers-Adkinson, As a thirty year veteran of Bloomsburg University, I can tell you that I have seen many changes some good, some less so. Tuesday, students and faculty alike are mourning the death of Sean Lenahan. "This has put a bigger knot in my stomach than I have ever experienced," he said. Related Reading: Bloomsburg University suspends all Greek Life after student death, long history of issues. The announcement came days after sophomore Leah Burke reportedly died after an incident outside a fraternity house. "I could not be prouder of our student-athletes for their dedication and commitment to such a worthy cause," remarked Bloomsburg University President Bashar Hanna. Roger F. Van Loan from Bloomsburg Town Police said in an email, We have no information to release at this time. But, few if any details are being released by authorities. Bloomsburg U. fraternity, sorority sued in 2019 death of student from Montgomery County The mother of an 18-year-old Blooms-burg University freshman from Mont-gomery County who died in 2019 after . Bloomsburg University terminates Greek life following a student death over the weekend, though it says the two aren't linked Susan Snyder, The Philadelphia Inquirer 5/13/2021 He was a member of Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, Bloomsburg. He was a member of Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, Bloomsburg. * Actor Mykelti Williamson, 66. On the evening of July 18, 1940, Randolph Murdaugh Sr. was on his way home from a friend's home when his car mysteriously stopped on a railroad track. VCU prohibits hazing. A spokesman told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the university's decision was unrelated to Burke's death, . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The suit was. Officials say there is no threat to the public and the investigation continues. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. Bloomsburg University permanently eliminated its entire Greek life program after fraternities and sororities were placed on several months of probation and some continued to violate conduct codes and an antihazing policy. Subscribe Today! Rose Marie (Shepenas) Keszkowski, age 89, of Catawissa, passed away peacefully at Grandview Nursing and Rehabilitation in Danville on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021. Updated: 10:45 PM EST February 26, 2021 A fraternity, sorority, and nearly 40 of their members have been hit with lawsuits for the death of a student at Bloomsburg University. Published on February 21, 2023 - Page 4 Linda (Leiby) Braswell After a lengthy illness, Linda (Leiby) Braswell went to her eternal reward on Feb. 10, 2023, at the age of 82. Please accept Echovita's sincere condolences. <>/Metadata 87 0 R/ViewerPreferences 88 0 R>> I'm heartbroken to hear this news. I think it definitely is an eye-opener to everyone on campus that anything can happen to anyone at any time and to really hold your loved ones close, says Harned. A family Reunion will be held from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, in the Kehr Union Ballroom. By morning, he's dead. One night, he is forced to binge drink, getting blackout drunk. Born on January 13, 1932 in West Mahanoy Township, Schuylkill County, she was the only child of the late Joseph and Rose Mary (Mrock) Shepenas. The announcement came days after sophomore Leah Burke reportedly died after an incident outside a fraternity house. The review comes as other universities around the country have grappled with hazing and alcohol-related deaths involving Greek organizations. The state system does not typically comment on matters involving an internal university investigation, said system spokesman Dave Pidgeon. At the time, a Bloomsburg University spokesperson said the school needs "to do a better job of educating our students about the dangers of alcohol and their responsibilities.". So we're lucky to be having a decent weekend. Diane I. Keefer, 79, of Bloomsburg passed away on Sunday evening, Feb. 19, 2023, at the Bloomsburg Care and Rehabilitation Center, where she had. "You know, I had an experience that wasn't ideal.". University officials say Sean Lenahan, 22, was found dead in his . A week and a half later, Nicholas Medveckus, 18, of Pennsburg, was found dead in his dorm; he died of an unexpected illness, according to his obituary. The . MILLERSVILLE The Bloomsburg University football team survived a wild comeback attempt and defeated Millersville University, 38-35, Saturday afternoon. Eleanor Leggett Sweeney. This site is not a forum. 2021. November 1, 2021 (53 years old) View obituary. Andrew J. Whitaker/Pool/USA Today Network via REUTERSStanding in shackles and a beige prison jumpsuit, the once prominent South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh continued to swear he was innocent Friday as a judge slammed him as a "monster" whose conduct was worse than many offenders who got the death penalty.Judge Clifton Newman sentenced Murdaugh to life in prison for the June 7, 2021 . Jury selection set in shooting at motel. The lawsuit contends that the defendants violated the anti-hazing law enacted after the 2017 death of Tim Piazza, a Pennsylvania State University student who died after attending a booze-fueled fraternity party where he fell down stairs. Born in Bloomsburg on October 30, 1955, she was the daughter of Marjorie A. R/C RACEWAY FACEBOOK GROUP. Douglas Earl Lizardi. Significantly, the ban on Greek Life may be diverting attention away from the Bloomsburg president who was accused of sexual harassment by an executive assistant earlier this year. Bloomsburg Police Chief William Gelgot termed the case a death investigation. He said alcohol was involved and police are looking into where the alcohol came from. He said he sees a solution in stricter laws and further criminalization. We still do not know the official cause of Seans death, but police say there seems to be no foul play involved at this time. By Paulina September 30, 2021. BLOOMSBURG A Florida woman accused of slashing an elderly man to death in Cooper Township last year will remain in a state hospital as mentally unfit to stand trial in the murder, a judge ordered Monday. Because it held up a pair of pants! Jason Lee Zagata. 0. 1. Philosophy Professor Dr. Wendy Lee wrote a letter to the Provost in protest of BU administration cutting the philosophy major. Sign Up to be eligible for our weekly Giveaways! And Michael Somerville, 21, of Bloomsburg, died by suicide on Oct. 29. "You can say you can only drive 55 miles per hour on I-95 and most people don't do that," he said. Roger Van Loan is the police chief of town police not BUPD (university). Success! "The students in both of these cases who did this didn't do it at the fraternity house. On Oct. 4, student Curtis L. Melville III, 19, of Limerick, died in a motor vehicle accident. King had been at Bloomsburg only three weeks before attending the Sept. 13, 2019, party. "Just because you ban it doesn't mean it goes away. Police were notified of the death at 11:30 p.m. May 8 by Montour County Coroner Scott Lynn. May 13, 2021. March 2, 202102:57 Oakes, 19, was a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. In response to the January letter, Zach Greenberg of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) claimed that Hannas warning threatened students First Amendment rights. Horras said the deaths of Oakes and Foltz were "terribly tragic and senseless." We intend to seek the full measure of damages as well as appropriate reform.. A tree lighting will be held at 5:45 p.m. in front of the New Bloomsburg Diner at Main and East streets. BU Student Dies Over Weekend by BUnow | May 10, 2021 | Bloomsburg News, Featured Bloomsburg University President Bashar Hanna informed BU faculty members this morning about the death of Leah Burke. WASHINGTON (AP) A skin lesion removed from President Joe Biden's chest last month was a basal cell carcinoma a common form of skin cancer his doctor said Friday, adding that no Posted on: Saturday, March 4, 2023 - 2:09am. King was recruited to join the fraternity through a flier distributed in freshman dorms. Greenberg sees the Universitys May 13 decision to disaffiliate from all Greek organizations, regardless of conduct, as another assault on students associational freedoms. To be clear, none of these student deaths are.