Penn State Shuts Down Frat Parties After Fatal Fall

Penn State has halted all fraternity social events in light of last week's death of a 19-year-old student.

"Recent events, including a tragic student death associated with activities in a fraternity house, as well as growing allegations of misconduct in these organizations, have resulted in joint action by both Penn State and the Interfraternity Council, the governing body for University fraternities, to halt all social activities for IFC chapters until further notice," the university announced.

The decision is effective immediately and will continue as officials determine "significant changes" in campus fraternity social policies and practices, the university said.

Timothy Piazza, 19, of Lebanon, New Jersey, died Friday after allegedly falling down the basement stairs at Beta Theta Pi’s fraternity house on Penn State’s campus, according to police.

He fell Thursday night at 11 p.m., but medical attention didn't arrive until the next morning - nearly 12 hours later - when Piazza was found unconscious and unresponsive after first responders were notified by a caller, according to police.

The fraternity has been suspended and says it is cooperating with the investigation.

"An aggressive timeline is being established to finalize plans and adopt recommendations for change. The Penn State fraternity and sorority community is a rich source of leadership opportunity, charitable activity, community service, networking and social experience. The University and its fraternity leaders are taking actions to improve the experience for all Penn State students and to ensure the sustainability of these important organizations," the university said in a statement.

Photo: Timothy Piazza via The Tab Penn State