After FSU Pledge’s Death, Fraternity Loses Charter, Closes

TALLAHASSEE, FL - The local chapter of Pi Kappa Phi where a 20-year-old Florida State University pledge died has had its charter revoked by its national organization. After a Nov. 3 off-campus party, Andrew Coffey was found unresponsive. Tallahassee Police Chief Michael J. DeLeo said that alcohol may have been a factor in Coffey's death but that police are waiting for the results of an autopsy.

He said that police are working with the State Attorney's Office to determine what charges, if any, are appropriate. Pi Kappa Phi revoked the charter of FSU’s Beta Eta chapter on Friday — forcing an end to all chapter activities and operations, a spokesman for the national organization told NBC News.

The fraternity’s social event management policies were violated by the local chapter at the party, the spokesman said. He declined to say what specific policies were broken.

Florida State University President John Thrasher has indefinitely suspended all 54 fraternities and sororities at the school. He also banned alcohol at student events.

During the interim suspension, fraternity and sorority chapters are prohibited from holding new member events, council or chapter meetings, chapter organized tailgates, chapter events such as socials, philanthropy, retreats, intramurals, organized participation in Market Wednesday and organized participation in Homecoming.

University spokesperson Browning Brooks told Patch that FSU has 54 separate Greek organizations. "They don't all have a physical house," Brooks explained. "We have 38 physical houses."

Thrasher said that the timetable for lifting the suspension is up to the student community. "They must work with us and demonstrate they fully understand the serious obligation they have to exercise responsible conduct," he said.

Read the NBC News story here.

Image via AP Photo/Joseph Reedy