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3 Bowling Green Students Expelled In Stone Foltz Hazing Death

An investigation found the student violations included hazing, harming and endangering others, and furnishing alcohol. [Bryan Pollard / Shutterstock]
Entrance sign at Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University has expelled three students and suspended 18 in connection with the death of sophomore Stone Foltz.

An investigation concluded the 21 students had committed 83 violations of the university’s Code of Student Conduct, according to a press release. Those violations include hazing and endangering others.

Foltz, 20, was found unconscious in his apartment, after attending a Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity party on March 4. He died three days later.

In addition to the three expulsions, the university suspended 17 students for terms from three to eight years. One suspension was deferred.

Bowling Green says it has created a stand-alone anti-hazing policy that includes sanctions for violations. A report from a presidential working group notes the policy is awaiting final approval.

“BGSU will continue to take all necessary measures to eradicate hazing, and we will work with our peers, the Foltz family and anyone who shares in that mission,” university spokesperson Alex Solis said in a written statement.

Eight people have been indicted in Foltz’s death. Six are charged with involuntary manslaughter.

Earlier this month, Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law a new anti-hazing law. Senate Bill 126 revises the definition of hazing to include “coercing another to consume” alcohol or drugs as part of an initiation into a student organization.

If doing so results in serious physical harm, offenders can face up to a third-degree felony.

The bill is named in honor of Collin Wiant, an Ohio University freshman who died after collapsing at an off-campus house in 2018. A toxicology report showed he died of asphyxiation caused by nitrous oxide ingestion.

Annie Wu is the deputy editor of digital content for Ideastream Public Media.