Home / Crime and Justice / UT Austin Freshman's Death Linked to Brutal Sigma Chi Hazing
UT Austin Freshman's Death Linked to Brutal Sigma Chi Hazing
23 Nov
Summary
- Freshman allegedly subjected to cigarette burns, staple gun injuries.
- Parents claim fraternity hazing and forced drug use led to suicide.
- Sigma Chi chapter closed, members expelled following internal probe.
A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed by the parents of Sawyer Lee Updike, an 18-year-old University of Texas freshman who died by suicide in January 2024. The suit alleges that Updike endured months of 'demeaning and cruel hazing' by the UT Austin Sigma Chi fraternity. Parents claim their son was subjected to extreme physical abuse, including cigarette burns, staple gun injuries, and being 'speared with a fishhook,' alongside coerced drug use, including cocaine and psilocybin mushrooms.
The relentless and systematic nature of the alleged hazing, reportedly carried out with the knowledge of older members, pushed Updike into a severe psychological crisis. The lawsuit states that after consuming drugs provided by fraternity members, he left the Sigma Chi house intoxicated and later died by suicide in a convenience store parking lot. His parents are seeking justice for what they describe as a preventable tragedy.
In response to the allegations, Sigma Chi International conducted an investigation, resulting in the closure of the UT Austin chapter and the expulsion of several members. The fraternity expressed devastation over Updike's death and stated they would expect full consequences for any individuals found responsible through the justice system. The University of Texas at Austin has also been contacted for comment.
