Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chapter Suspended After Pledges Cited for Severe Burns

Ohio State University temporarily suspended its Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter on Monday following a hazing incident that left two pledges with serious burns. The suspension remains in place while a joint investigation by the university and local police continues. The decision came after a video of the event circulated on social media and a 911 call provided graphic details of the chaos.

Columbus police released the audio recording and a preliminary report on Tuesday. The 911 call, placed on Sunday, described a scene where a man was doused in gasoline and set on fire. The caller stated that onlookers stood by and laughed while the flames spread. The person making the call was not present at the scene but viewed a video shared in a sorority group chat. They expressed a strong desire to submit the footage to authorities so that action could be taken against those involved.

The preliminary police report confirms that two victims participated in an activity deemed dangerous. As a result, both men sustained second-degree and third-degree burns. The report does not name the specific individuals involved in the investigation. Police officials confirmed they spoke with George Limperis, the current president of the fraternity chapter. Limperis provided a statement to authorities, though the redacted public release did not include specific details from his account.

The video, which has been widely shared online, shows a large gathering of people, many wearing the university's red and white colors. In the footage, a man sits on the ground with his sweatpants on fire. He lunges toward a second person and tackles them in a moment of panic. The impact causes the second man's clothing to catch fire. Both men are then seen rolling on the ground to extinguish the flames and remove their burning clothing. Several bystanders are visible trying to assist the victims as the fire rages. This visual evidence aligns with the verbal description provided by the 911 caller.

University spokesperson Benjamin Johnson addressed the situation in a statement released on Monday. He confirmed that the university is aware of the concerning event and that the individuals involved are currently receiving medical care. Johnson stated that Ohio State is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment. He noted that the university expects all students and student organizations to uphold that standard and reflect its core values.

Steve Mitchell, the CEO of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, issued a separate statement on the same day. He acknowledged that the national organization is aware of the video. Mitchell stated that the fraternity is actively working with university officials and local law enforcement to address the situation. He emphasized that the organization holds its collegiate members to high standards of conduct and accountability. Mitchell noted that behavior violating these established standards has no place within the organization.

The national leadership expressed its commitment to holding those responsible accountable. They indicated that appropriate action would be taken based on the final findings of the ongoing investigation. The goal is to resolve the matter thoroughly once the process is complete.