Clemson University suspends social, new-member activities at 24 fraternities

Clemson University suspended social and new-member activities at 24 fraternities, one day after the death of Tucker Hipps, a sophomore and member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.

Clemson Student Affairs Vice President Gail DiSabatino explained the suspensions in a statement released Tuesday night:

“It is especially prudent to suspend fraternity activities given the tragic death of Tucker Hipps. There has been a high number of reports of serious incidents involving fraternity activities, ranging from alcohol-related medical emergencies to sexual misconduct,” said DiSabatino.

“These behaviors are unacceptable and mandate swift and effective action to protect students. There is no higher priority than the safety and welfare of our students.”

The announcement comes one day after a university officer found Hipps’ body in a lake after his fraternity brothers reported him missing after an early-morning run. County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw says “there has been no indication” that hazing played any role in the death, despite “speculation and innuendo” on social media.

The investigation is ongoing.

(Photo: Facebook)

Hipps, 19, was a former football player and political science major.

“You instantly just knew him from his infectious smile,” Hipps’ friend told WYFF Greenville. “He was a guy with a huge heart and he cared for people a lot.”

Alexandra DiPalma is a producer for Fusion Lightworks, Fusion’s In-house Branded Content Agency.