The death of Andrew Coffey, 20, a Florida State University student, is sending shock waves throughout the Greek community.
As the University of South Florida holds seminars and discussions as it relates to hazing, Coffey’s death is top of mind.
“At the end of the day it’s about a sisterhood and a brotherhood and hazing isn’t a part of that especially at our USF culture,” Ilyana Adame a member of Omega Phi Beta at USF said. “To see that happened breaks my heart. I feel like alcohol shouldn’t have been involved in Greek life at that moment and it should’ve been monitored."
Tallahassee police say Coffey, a pledge at Pi Kappa Phi was found dead Saturday at an off-campus house party. Police believe alcohol could have been a factor but are waiting on the official toxicology results to determine the cause of death.
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Chief Michael J. DeLeo released a video message on Twitter extending condolences and sympathy to Coffey’s family. DeLeo said detectives have interviewed more than 50 people and will file charges in the case if a crime was committed.
A message to the citizens of Tallahassee from Chief Michael J. DeLeo. pic.twitter.com/sKvWn3yCw7
— Tallahassee Police (@TallyPD) November 4, 2017
DeLeo says no one has been arrested for Coffey’s death. He was a civil engineering major from Pompano Beach.
Monica Lee Miranda the Director of the Center for Student Involvement & Fraternity/Sorority Life at USF said Coffey’s death is a reminder that students have to be vigilant and report any cases of hazing they see or experience.
“In the five years I’ve been here we’ve had some low level issues with certain chapters and certain organizations,” Miranda said. “I’m not going to be that person who says it never happens and that it’s never going to happen at any campus. Students make choices, sometimes they make bad choices…our issues here have been quite low level thankfully.”
There will be events at USF for National Hazing Prevention all week.
