Police Reconsider Hazing's Role In WSU Student Death

PULLMAN, WA — After initially ruling out hazing as a factor in the death of a Washington State University freshman this month, KOMO News reports investigators are reconsidering the possibility. Pullman Police told KOMO new information led them to take a closer look.

19-year-old Sam Martinez, of Bellevue, died at a WSU fraternity house Tuesday, Nov. 12. Earlier this week, the Whitman County Coroner's office confirmed Martinez died at 4:30 a.m. — almost 4 hours before the first 911 was placed. Police said a preliminary investigation led them to believe alcohol played a role in his death.

While police initially said they did not suspect hazing, as defined by law, the university has said a school investigation would explore all possibilities. All Greek organizations on the WSU campus have suspended social events on-campus through the end of the semester. A full report from the coroner is still pending.

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