Authorities have launched an investigation after a 20-year-old college student died after an outing with a fraternity.
Tyler Hilliard died on Saturday after he went on a hike with the University of California Riverside chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. The rising junior was allegedly going through a process to become a member of the oldest black fraternity.
Myeasha Kimble-Hilliard, his mother, believes hazing might have led to her son’s demise.
“I’m not saying that his death was a direct result of hazing. I don’t know that for sure,” Kimble-Hilliard told The Los Angeles Times. “But I believe something happened that led up to his death.”
Kimble-Hilliard is skeptical of the story she received from the pledge master.
"He said that they were about to go for a hike at Mount Rubidoux – they had not started hiking yet – and that Tyler was feeling short of breath," she told KTLA. "Shortly after that he collapsed, and (the pledge master) called 911."
Text messages in Hilliard’s phone referred to the supposed hike as “gold paddle day.”
"So, I don't know," Robyn Fountain, his cousin, said. "I assume that means that they were going to be beaten in the wilderness."
The messages also revealed other instances of hazing. The engineering major was forced to eat a whole onion with hot sauce, made to drink large quantities of water and paddled with a piece of cactus.
Hilliard didn’t have any health problems, according to his family, but his mother took him to the emergency room a few weeks ago because he had chest pains after he ate the onion. He was released after a doctor gave him a prescription for heartburn medication.
Riverside Police is waiting for the results of an autopsy, according to ABC13. Officer Ryan Railsback said Hilliard’s death is “suspicious” and hopes fraternity members cooperate with the investigation.
“Historically, there’s an aspect of secrecy in fraternities,” Railsback said. “We would hope that would go out the door if something bad happened to a member. We would hope whoever is involved would come forward.”
Alpha Phi Alpha released a statement saying they were working with the university and law enforcement. They also launched their own investigation.
The Corporate Headquarters has released an official statement on the passing of Tyler Hilliard. pic.twitter.com/jbByUPjFX5
— Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. ® (@apa1906NETwork) September 18, 2018
"Working with the university, the fraternity has launched an investigation into the situation and has placed the chapter on an immediate cease and desist status, suspending all activities,” it read.
"Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. does not condone and strictly prohibits any illegal acts, including hazing in any form, whether physical or mental, as a term or condition of membership in the organization. Any member found violating the fraternity's anti-hazing policy will be immediately suspended with a recommendation for expulsion."
Kimble-Hilliard believes the organization needs to do more to prevent these incidents.
"Their organization is hazing and they need to be aware of it," she said. "And they need to put a stop to it."
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