Texas State University has suspended all fraternity and sorority chapter activities following the death of a fraternity pledge after an initiation ritual.
In a statement Tuesday, university officials say Matt Ellis was found unresponsive Monday morning at an off-campus apartment.
The 20-year-old sophomore from Humble, Texas, had attended a party that Phi Kappa Psi fraternity members hosted Sunday night at the apartment.
Texas State University has suspended fraternity and sorority chapter activities following the death of fraternity pledge, Matt Ellis (left and right), 20, after an initiation ritual
The 20-year-old sophomore from Humble, Texas, had attended a party that Phi Kappa Psi (pictured) fraternity members hosted Sunday night at the apartment
He was pronounced dead after EMS personnel were unable to revive him.
In a statement, the Phi Kappa Psi national office said it suspended the Texas State chapter last week.
‘The chapter had been suspended by Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, Inc last week for unrelated matters, and will remain suspended while the investigation continues.
‘Phi Kappa Psi will continue to work closely with the TSU administration and law enforcement during their review of this matter, and have advised all members to cooperate fully,’ the statement continued.
Phi Kappa Psi Executive Director Mark Guidi said in the statement: ‘We are heartbroken by the death of Texas State University student and Phi Kappa Psi new member Matthew Ellis.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the entire TSU student body during this difficult time.’
An autopsy has been ordered. But police in San Marcos, Texas, about 50 miles south of Austin, said they suspect alcohol played a role in the student’s death.
University President Denise Trauth said the chapters won’t be reinstated until a review is done of the entire fraternity and sorority system on campus.
Ellis was pronounced dead after EMS personnel were unable to revive him. In a statement, the Phi Kappa Psi national office said it suspended the Texas State chapter last week
Phi Kappa Psi Executive Director Mark Guidi said in the statement: ‘We are heartbroken by the death of Texas State University student and Phi Kappa Psi new member Matthew Ellis’ (pictured)
University President Denise Trauth said the chapters at Texas State (pictured) won’t be reinstated until a review is done of the entire fraternity and sorority system on campus
‘As president of Texas State University, I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of one of our students who attended an off-campus social event on Sunday evening hosted by members of a university fraternity.
‘My thoughts are with his family, friends, and the Texas State Community,’ Trauth said in the statement.
Trauth said that all Greek fraternity and sorority activities at Texas State have been suspended as a result of this tragedy.
‘These chapters are prohibited from holding new-member events, chapter meetings, social functions, and philanthropic activities until a thorough review of the Greek Affairs system is completed,’ Trauth said.
‘It is imperative that our entire university community develop a culture that places the highest priority on the safety of its students, faculty, and staff.’
The university’s vice president of Student Affairs will immediately initiate a review of the Greek system on campus and propose recommendations for reinstating fraternity and sorority chapters that ‘demonstrate a commitment to the core values of Texas State and the ideals established by their respective national organizations’.