Texas A&M Kappa Sigma pledges left unable to walk after hazing; investigators pursue criminal case

A criminal investigation is underway after several Texas A&M University fraternity pledges were hospitalized with serious injuries following an alleged hazing incident at the Kappa Sigma Lodge in College Station. The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office said the incident occurred on Sept. 14, when new pledges were taken to a secluded off-campus location and ordered to engage in physical activity until exhaustion. The event prompted the chapter’s suspension while authorities review what happened and determine whether criminal charges are warranted.

Pledges described a brutal drill conducted in dark and dirty conditions, with many participants forced to endure a grueling workout as others stood by. One unidentified victim told KPRC 2 News that the process involved a group exercise where participants were instructed to place their hands on their heels and squat together while being yelled at and illuminated by bright lights. The witness said the session took place “in the mud, all real, real dark, people yelling at you, shining lights in your face, you’re getting dizzy, you’re throwing up,” and that several pledges later could barely move their legs. Some students who sought medical care in the days afterward were reportedly advised by fraternity leaders to go to different hospitals and to lie about what happened to doctors, the victim added. At least one attendee described symptoms consistent with rhabdomyolysis, a dangerous muscle injury that can cause dark or nearly black urine and other serious complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that rhabdomyolysis can be life-threatening and requires prompt medical attention.

The incident has drawn swift responses from authorities and university leadership. Bradley Bailey, the executive director of Kappa Sigma, said in a statement that the fraternity is aware of the incident involving members of the Texas A&M University Chapter and that any member found to violate the fraternity’s Code of Conduct—which strictly forbids hazing—will be held accountable. He added that the chapter’s operations at Texas A&M are suspended pending an investigation. The university said it does not tolerate hazing and will cooperate fully with law enforcement as the Student Conduct Code review proceeds. It emphasized that details are being withheld as the investigation continues and that it cannot share further information at this time. The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office said it is actively investigating and urged victims or anyone involved to come forward.

Health and safety are a central focus in the unfolding case, with officials and medical professionals urging caution as investigators determine the exact course of events. The DA’s office has not publicly filed charges related to the incident, and investigators have so far described the case as an active inquiry. The university and fraternity are both pledging cooperation with investigators as authorities collect statements and medical records to determine what occurred and whether hazing laws were violated. The case underscores ongoing concerns about hazing across Greek life on campuses and the potential health risks associated with forced physical exertion and unsafe conditions.

This incident is not the first time Kappa Sigma has faced hazing-related trouble. In 2018, two Kappa Sigma brothers at Texas Christian University were arrested after a pledge was hospitalized following an excessive drinking episode that nearly proved fatal. While not connected to the Texas A&M case, the prior event has been cited in discussions about Hazing in higher education and the need for ongoing oversight and safety measures within Greek organizations.

As investigators pursue leads, police remain interested in communicating with anyone who may have information about Sept. 14 events or related hazing practices. Authorities have stressed that coming forward can help clarify timelines and actions, and they reiterated that the case remains under review as they work to determine accountability and potential criminal statutes that may apply. The university’s administrative processes will likewise continue as the conduct review progresses and the chapter’s status is reassessed in light of any findings.

Images associated with this story provide a view of the surrounding campus and facilities linked to the case.