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Student Death: Hazing Ritual Allegations Surface
24 Jun
Summary
- Freshman Savanna Jones died in April on campus.
- Lawsuit alleges hazing ritual and delayed medical care.
- Family hopes lawsuit spurs discussions on student safety.
A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed by the family of Savanna Jones, a Wilberforce University freshman who died on campus in April. The complaint alleges that an unofficial student group's initiation ritual, referred to as 'crossing turtles,' led to Jones' death.
Jones was reportedly required to consume an entire bottle of liquor during the ritual, resulting in severe intoxication. The lawsuit claims she was then carried back to her dormitory and left unattended for hours, with no medical assistance provided.
Family attorney Rex Elliott stated that nothing was done to stop the ritual or help Jones when she became unresponsive. The lawsuit names Wilberforce University, its housing director, a student, and numerous unidentified individuals as defendants.
Jones' family hopes the legal action will foster greater awareness of student safety and hazing prevention. The Greene County Sheriff's Office is investigating the circumstances of Jones' death, with findings to be forwarded to prosecutors.
