Malvern Man Pleads Guilty In Penn State Fraternity Hazing Death

MALVERN, PA — A former Malvern man who was president of a Penn State fraternity pleaded guilty in court to charges related to the 2017 death of a student.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry said Brendan Young, 28, formerly of Malvern and now of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty to hazing and reckless endangerment for his actions in a 2017 hazing incident at Beta Theta Pi fraternity where he lived and served as chapter president.

Young was charged in May 2017, along with 17 other members of the fraternity.

Authorities also said Daniel Casey, 27, pleaded guilty to the same charges, as he served as the chapter's vice president and pledge master.

The charges stemmed from a 2017 hazing incident that led to the death of Timothy Piazza, a then 19-year-old Penn State sophomore who hailed from New Jersey. Piazza was one of 14 students pledging to join Beta Theta Pi at the time of his death.

>>>Penn State Frat House Death: Fast Drinking, Slow Death, Frantic Coverup In Grand Jury Timeline<<<

Young and Casey each pleaded guilty in a Centre County court to 14 counts of hazing and a single count of reckless endangerment — all misdemeanors. The 14 counts of hazing represent a count of hazing for each member of the Spring 2017 pledge class who were subjected to the obstacle course. The reckless endangerment charge pertains to Piazza.

>>>RELATED: 911 Audio From Penn State Frat House Death Released<<<

They are scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 1.

Piazza and the 13 others were called to the Beta Theta Pi house Feb. 2, 2017, to participate in the bid acceptance event.

Piazza was found unresponsive the next morning after drinking excessive quantities of alcohol during an initiation event referred to as an "obstacle course."

Authorities said throughout the "obstacle course," the pledges consumed significant amounts of alcohol.

Piazza died days later as a result of multiple falls incurred after he became intoxicated.

>>>RELATED: Penn State To Eliminate Greek Life Oversight Put In Place After Timothy Piazza's Death<<<

Young and Casey were among the fraternity members who participated in and facilitated the hazing event, authorities said.

"There should be no discussion of this case without recognizing the tragic loss of life and resulting devastation for Mr. Piazza’s family and friends," Henry said. "Mr. Piazza was simply seeking to join a social organization for the benefits of community and shared experiences, as so many university students do. Most of those students go on to successful lives and careers — basic expectations following college which Mr. Piazza never had the opportunity to experience."