A University at Buffalo student was rushed to the hospital early Friday following a potential hazing incident that occurred at a fraternity house.
The house in question was occupied by the Sigma Pi fraternity and is located on Custer Street, in the University Heights neighborhood near UB's South Campus.
The University at Buffalo has identified the student as Sebastian Serafin-Bazan of Westchester County. He is in critical condition at the Buffalo General Medical Center.
The Buffalo News reported Sunday a toxicology test showed Serafin-Bazan did not have drugs or alcohol in his system. But the News quoted two police sources as saying he was being subjected to exercise when he suffered cardiac arrest.
UB has issued a statement, saying university police are working closely with Buffalo police to investigate the incident. The university says it is in contact with the student's family.
UB president Satish Tripathi has suspended all official fraternity and sorority activities, effective immediately. He says the university has no tolerance for hazing and will aggressively pursue any suspected incidents.
"As the investigation into this very serious matter continues, let me reiterate that our university has zero tolerance for hazing. Not only are hazing incidents a violation of our university policies, but they are also crimes," Tripathi said, in a statement.
The university also said it will launch an internal review into the activities of Greek-letter, social, fraternal organizations at UB, beginning this week.
"An internal review committee, formed by UB Vice President for Student Life A. Scott Weber, will examine each organization’s health and safety educational programs, policies and practices, with a special focus on anti-hazing," it said.
Anyone with information is asked to call UB Police at 645-2222.
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