Collin Wiant was just 18-years-old and a college freshman when he died in a hazing incident. Now, his parents are warning other families about the dangers of pledging fraternities and sororities.
Collin was an Ohio University student when he decided to pledge a fraternity. The honor-roll student died at an off-campus event after inhaling nitrous oxide in November 2018. While inhaling nitrous oxide can result in laughing fits, it can also cut off oxygen to the brain and heart. Canisters can be sold for legal purposes, but recreational use is illegal in many states.
The hazing incident also included being beaten with a belt, forced to take drugs like cocaine and Xanax, and forced to drink 1.75 liters of vodka in 60 minutes. Collin’s parents, Kathleen and Wade, are gutted by the loss of their son. “If this can happen to our son it can happen to anybody,” they warn.
“It is such a huge void in our lives because our kids were so close,” Wade told Inside Edition.
“When we received that knock on the door from the police officer at 5:30 in the morning, that will forever be the dividing point in our lives of the before and after,” Kathleen said. “It has changed us forever.” Collin’s body was allegedly discovered surrounded by cans of nitrous oxide.
Nine men were charged in connection with Collin’s death, all of which are current or former university students. Three appeared in court on Tuesday, where they pleaded not guilty to a variety of charges.
Source : https://www.littlethings.com/college-freshman-hazing/