Fraternity convicted in hazing ritual death

Cornell University’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter has been convicted of first-degree hazing and providing alcohol to an underage individual after a 19 year-old pledge died during a hazing ritual in 2011.

Reuters reports that the ritual consisted of kidnapping the pledge from his home, binding his hands and feet with duct tape, and forcing him to drink until he passed out. The teenager never regained consciousness. He was found to have a blood alcohol level of 0.356 percent, more than four times the legal limit.

The pledge’s family could receive up to $12,000 for the conviction. It has also filed a $25 million civil lawsuit against the fraternity for wrongful death.