Hazing Suspected in Fresno State Frat Pledge's Death

By Justin Willis, KSEE24 News

October 10, 2012 Updated Oct 10, 2012 at 6:25 PM PDT

The documents reveal details of a ceremony with Theta Chi members... A ceremony that may have led to dhanen's death.

Philip Dhanens was pledging to enter the Theta Chi fraternity, and in the court document that was made public Tuesday, pledges endured a night of heavy drinking, which left Dhanens unconscious, and not breathing.

The search warrant in the Philip Dhanens investigation has been made public, and states two fraternity members are suspected of being responsible for the incident.

It was all part of a "pinning ceremony," during which multiple bottles of alcohol were passed around to pledges.

According to the warrant, "the first two bottles of alcohol were finished by the pledges within an approximate ten minute period."

The document also states, "the pledges all voluntarily drank and none were forced, however, they were all encouraged to drink as members chanted the fraternity name.

After consuming a considerable amount of alcohol within a one hour period, Philip Dhanens exhibited severe symptoms of intoxication."

When asked if he was alright, Dhanens answered "no," and passed out.

Members later noticed Dhanens was unconscious and not breathing.

Documents reveal "fraternity members checked on Philip Dhanens who was laying on the floor of 'the drunk room.'

They immediately noted that Philip Dhanens had vomited and was pale in color."

CPR was administered while other members called 9-1-1.

Dhanens was pronounced deceased September 2nd.

Fresno Police say it's an ongoing case, and are not yet ready to discuss details of the investigation.

But Fresno State released a statement regarding the search warrant, and said, "Fresno State is awaiting the completion of the police investigation before deciding on the appropriate university response to this tragic incident."

There was no comment from Theta Chi, and calls to the fraternity's international headquarters were not immediately returned.

Fresno State fraternities and sororities suspended rush week activities following Dhanens' death.

Fraternities have resumed regular activities.

Sororities are expected to begin fall recruitment Thursday.

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