Wrongful Death Suit Alleges Hazing Death at Florida University

A wrongful death lawsuit claims Bethune-Cookman University failed to stop fraternity hazing that led to the death of a Marching Wildcat band member.

Marcus Thomas died in February 2012 when the car in which he was riding crashed into a utility pole in Daytona Beach. In a lawsuit filed in Volusia County Circuit Court, Thomas’ mother said hazing by fraternity members subjected her son, the car’s driver and other pledges to sleep deprivation.

The lawsuit said the car’s driver fell asleep, leading to the fatal crash.

Bethune-Cookman officials told The Daytona Beach News-Journal that they have a zero tolerance policy for hazing. In court documents, the fraternity’s attorney said the organization could not be held responsible.

The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $15,000.