Rutgers student electrocution raises off-campus fraternity safety concerns

A New Jersey The electrocution of a college student that resulted from what authorities believe is related to an alleged incident has raised new questions regarding safety concerns inside off-campus housing on campuses across the country.

Earlier this month, a 19-year-old Rutgers University student was taken to the hospital in critical condition after suffering an electrical shock inside an off-campus Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity house during an alleged hazing incident. According to NJ.com. A second student was also reportedly struck by an electrical current after trying to pull the victim away from the wire, a parent of a fraternity member told the outlet.

In response to these allegations, the national organization of Alpha Sigma Phi made the decision to permanently ban the university’s chapter from campus, effectively closing the doors of its College Avenue house.

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Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity house at 106 College Avenue, where a 19-year-old Rutgers University student was seriously injured on October 15, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Tanya Breen/Asbury Park Press via USA Today)

“Based on our information, we have determined that this chapter violated multiple parts of the fraternity’s health and safety guidelines that evening,” Geordie Hemminger, president and CEO of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, Inc., said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “If the chapter had not been harassing new members that evening, we do not believe any injuries could have occurred. As a result of the investigation, the chapter has now been closed.”

After an institutional review, Rutgers also placed the fraternity under a cease and desist order and organizational disciplinary probation.

While investigators are still working to piece together the events that led to a student being hospitalized, there are questions surrounding the safety of off-campus Greek housing — and the question of the safety of off-campus Greek life. Potential risks of harassment – It’s starting to appear.

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A 19-year-old student is hospitalized in critical condition after being found unresponsive at an off-campus home of the Alpha Sigma Phi chapter of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. (Istock)

“There is a feeling and expectation from parents of that the university “He has more control over privately owned off-campus housing options,” David Stallman, president of Campuspeak, told Fox News Digital. “I think the continued expectation among parents is that there’s more control than the university might actually have.”

Currently, the rules surrounding university liability for incidents in off-campus student housing are left to individual organizations, with some schools weighing the benefits – and risks – of providing housing oversight.

“Campus lawyers have different opinions,” Stollman said. “Some believe and direct their university to say it’s better that we know and do everything we can to add a layer of protection. Others say if we add that layer of protection, the university is responsible.”

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Rutgers University’s chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi has been permanently banned while authorities work to determine the cause of the student’s injuries, according to officials. (Istock)

Within days of the alleged bullying incident, Alpha Sigma Phi Chapter House A property in New Brunswick was declared uninhabitable after it was revealed the property had a history of failed inspections and a $10,000 fine was issued earlier this year, according to records obtained by Fox News Digital.

Inspection records dating back to 2014 show a string of code violations, with officials documenting numerous hazards — including structural neglect and fire safety issues — starting in 2020.

In 2023, inspectors discovered missing carbon monoxide alarms, broken door hardware, damaged flooring, and an accumulation of outdoor trash. One year later, numerous violations were still present when officials returned to the home, resulting in a $10,000 fine.

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After a 19-year-old Rutgers University fraternity member was seriously injured in an alleged accident, experts are raising questions about liability for off-campus housing safety violations. (Istock)

Another inspection in May 2025 revealed 50 reported problems, including open wiring, structural damage, blocked fire exits, and pest infestation, according to documents obtained by Fox News Digital.

Less than a month before the student was seriously injured, the Department of Community Affairs confiscated the property’s inspection certificate. Days later, a re-inspection report indicated the home had at least 19 remaining violations, including several life safety issues that included broken carbon monoxide detectors and blocked vents.

The house is owned by Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity and managed by the organization’s national housing arm, CLVEN, according to property records.

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In a statement to Fox News Digital, Hemminger insisted that any maintenance issues brought to CLVEN were resolved in a timely manner, and “over 200 minutes of virtual residence hall meetings with undergraduates this academic year were reviewed, and there was no mention of electrical/life safety issues in the home by any of the undergraduates.”

“Unfortunately, much of the documented damage to the chapter house was committed by undergraduates and — or — their guests,” Heminger said.

Additionally, Rutgers has “no role” in overseeing the property, a university spokesperson said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

An unsafe structure notice is posted on the front door of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity house at 106 College Avenue, where a 19-year-old Rutgers University student was seriously injured on October 15, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Tanya Breen/Asbury Park Press via USA Today)

According to Stallman, many off-campus Greek life houses are either managed by a local or national chapter, or rented from a third-party landlord — with many organizations favoring local alumni over universities when it comes to safety evaluations.

“There’s a risk to the university if they go by those houses and certify them,” Stallman told Fox News Digital. “Because if they certify that something is safe and it’s not, then as a parent I will look at them and say, ‘Wait a minute, you told me this was safe.’”

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However, Stallman insists that universities with such housing situations must provide more transparency Parents regarding their involvement In ensuring the safety of students.

“It would be great if a parent could help their students shop for where they want to live off campus with some of that transparency,” Stollman said. “[With] The university will report any violations committed by the city, even if the university does not attest to the validity or otherwise of these violations.”

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office is currently investigating to determine if this is the case Criminal charges It could be filed against any of the students found involved in the incident, according to Rutgers.

The victim is currently recovering from his injuries and is still receiving treatment, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to Fox News Digital.

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Since Greek life remains a well-established tradition throughout the nation’s higher education system, Stollman implores families to do their research regarding off-campus housing options for their students while prioritizing safety and transparency.

“Renting off-campus properties to students is big business,” Stollman said.

“There are a lot of companies that have invested heavily in those big university towns, in particular. [Families should] Look at what these companies offer in their leases, and what they offer in student protection. So it’s a tough situation, it really is [about] What can you find out and how can you make decisions as soon as possible.”