News Summary
A former SDSU student has filed a lawsuit against both the university and the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity after suffering severe injuries from a hazing incident. The suit alleges negligence after the student was set on fire during a fraternity ritual. Medical assistance was reportedly delayed for three hours, exacerbating his injuries. This case highlights ongoing concerns over fraternity hazing practices and university oversight, as the community demands stricter measures to protect student safety.
Shocking Lawsuit Filed After Hazing Incident at SDSU
In a chilling turn of events out of San Diego, a former student has embarked on a legal battle against both SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY (SDSU) and the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity after a hazing accident left him severely injured. This lawsuit comes after 19-year-old Lars Larsen was dramatically set on fire during a fraternity party on February 17, 2024, in what has been described as a gruesome hazing ritual gone wrong.
What Happened That Night
Reports indicate that during the party, Larsen was compelled to dress up like a tiger and perform a skit that involved lighting himself on fire. As alarming as it sounds, this was not an isolated incident; it shows just how serious and dangerous fraternity hazing can be. The flames spread rapidly, causing chaos among the fraternity members who seemed unprepared for such dire consequences.
Delayed Medical Assistance
After the fire engulfed Larsen, the fraternity’s reaction raised eyebrows. Instead of immediately calling 911, they decided to take him to a shower and wrap him in a blanket, delaying necessary medical assistance for a staggering three hours. This lapse in judgment not only worsened Larsen’s injuries but also intensified the mounting evidence against the fraternity’s practices.
Hospital Stay and Recovery
Larsen endured a harrowing 10 days in a local hospital located in Hillcrest before being transferred to UC Davis Medical Center for more specialized treatment. His injuries encompassed 16% of his body, resulting in skin grafts and requiring daily medical care. Not only do these severe burns present ongoing challenges, but they have left him with permanent scars and neuropathy on his legs and back.
Background of Hazing Incidents
This tragic incident seems to be part of a larger pattern of dangerous hazing practices within the fraternity. Prior to the fire, Larsen had reportedly already been subjected to perilous skits, including an outrageous event where a guitar was broken over his head. The lawsuit alleges that fraternity members instructed Larsen to delete text messages to hide evidence linking them to the horrific occurrence.
Criminal Charges and Fraternity’s Response
In a twist to the story, it turns out that four individuals involved in the incident, including Larsen, now face criminal charges related to the fire accident. Text messages uncovered from fraternity members suggested they had made plans to avoid police scrutiny after the unforeseen incident, including fabricating a narrative that claimed Larsen had accidentally fallen into a bonfire.
Educational Institution Under Fire
The lawsuit claims that both SDSU and the fraternity were negligent, pointing to the university’s lack of oversight, particularly due to its history of hazing. SDSU, which is already grappling with scrutiny for hazing issues, confirmed that they can’t comment on ongoing legal matters but announced the fraternity’s interim suspension following complaints about hazing practices. As of March 25, 2025, Phi Kappa Psi has been expelled from the campus.
Continuing Investigation
As the university continues to investigate the hazing incident, they are aware that ongoing legal proceedings may influence the outcomes of administrative inquiries. The fraternity members now face serious felony charges, including recklessly causing a fire resulting in great bodily injury and conspiracy to conduct acts that are harmful to the community.
The Bigger Picture
This case not only highlights a distressing incident of hazing at SDSU but also raises broader questions about fraternity culture and university responsibility to ensure student safety. With a past riddled with allegations of alcohol abuse, hazing, and grave injuries from fraternity-related activities, many are left wondering what can be done to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the legal case unfolds, the community continues to grapple with the far-reaching impacts of hazing practices, calling for stronger measures to protect students from similar tragedies.
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Additional Resources
- CBS8: SDSU Student Set Fire During Frat Prank Sues
- Courthouse News: SDSU Student Burned in Hazing Ritual Sues
- NBC News: 4 Fraternity Members Charged After Pledge Suffers
- LA Times: SDSU Fraternity Pledge with 3rd Degree Burns, Four Charged
- AP News: Fraternity Fire Incident at SDSU
- Wikipedia: Hazing
- Google Search: Fraternity Hazing Laws
- Google Scholar: Hazing in Fraternities
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hazing
- Google News: Fraternity Hazing Lawsuit
