Penn State Student's Death Now Considered Criminal Investigation

Penn State has revoked recognition of a fraternity where a 19-year-old student died after a fall earlier this month as the investigation into the incident is now labeled "criminal" by university officials.

The university, in a statement, said it continues to cooperate with the State College Police Department in its "criminal investigation" of Timothy Piazza's death at Beta Theta Pi fraternity on Feb. 4.

Piazza, 19, of Lebanon, New Jersey, died after allegedly falling down the basement stairs at Beta Theta Pi’s fraternity house on Penn State’s campus, according to police. Authorities say alcohol and hazing may have contributed to the young man's death, according to multiple reports.

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.

"Based on information gained through its inquiry thus far, the University has decided to withdraw immediately recognition of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. This revocation will remain in effect no less than five years and may be made permanent upon completion of the criminal and University investigations now underway," the university said.

WJAC reports Piazza was alive when police arrived at the frat house Friday morning. "Piazza’s breathing was labored, blood was found on his face and he was unresponsive to paramedics," the report said, noting frat members told police Piazza had also gotten sick sometime during the IFC-approved event.

He was rushed to Mount Nittany Medical Center by ambulance and later flown to Hershey Medical Center, where he died. His worst injury was a brain bleed, WJAC reported.

“We cannot suitably convey the heartbreak we feel for the family and friends who are grieving the loss of Tim Piazza,” said Damon Sims, Penn State’s vice president for Student Affairs. “The information available to us about the actions that led to Tim’s death is deeply disturbing, and no sanction or restriction the University can levy is equal to the gravity of his death or the circumstances which we believe led to it.”

Last week, the university announced it would halt all fraternity social events in light of Piazza's death.