Whistleblower Andrew Lohse warns fraternities often rely on an "omertà"—a code of silence—that can hide abuse and criminal behavior. Recent headlines include two deaths at the University of Mississippi where kratom was found and pending toxicology, an alleged Penn State cocaine ring involving coerced pledge labor, and a reported hazing episode in Madison, Wisconsin. Fraternity groups say they are tightening safety guidelines while investigations continue.
Whistleblower Warns Fraternities Rely On 'Omertà' After Ole Miss Deaths, Alleged Penn State Cocaine Ring
Robert Strang, 20, an Ole Miss student, was found dead this week.
Andrew Lohse, a Dartmouth hazing survivor and author of Confessions of an Ivy League Frat Boy, warns that many modern fraternities operate under an unwritten "omertà"—a code of silence that can conceal abuse and criminal behavior. Recent incidents at the University of Mississippi, Penn State and in Wisconsin have renewed scrutiny of Greek life and its culture of secrecy.
General view of Phi Delta Theta fraternity house on the campus of the University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, September 24, 2026. Black ribbons are tied to the columns of the porch in honor of the death of fraternity member, 20-year-old Robert Strang from Atlanta.
Ole Miss Deaths And Kratom Evidence
Two University of Mississippi students, identified in reporting as Robert Strang and Aidan Hamilton, were found dead this week. Authorities recovered packaged kratom at two locations connected to the cases. Officials say toxicology tests are pending and the role of kratom in the deaths is not yet clear. Phi Delta Theta issued condolences and emphasized its commitment to safety; the fraternity has not been accused of wrongdoing in either death.
Partially clothed young men are seen inside the basement of an Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house in Madison, Wisconsin, during an alleged hazing incident.
Penn State Allegations: Pledges And A Cocaine Ring
Prosecutors allege that pledges were coerced into cutting and packaging cocaine as part of an alleged distribution network at Penn State led by former Sigma Chi member Agostino Abbatiello. Court filings and reporting tied multiple arrests to the alleged scheme, raising concerns about how criminal activity can be concealed inside campus organizations.
Agostino Abbatiello arrives at Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, Pa., Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. Abbatiello is accused of masterminding a cocaine ring at Penn State University.
Madison, Wisconsin Hazing Incident
In Madison, police say officers found roughly 30 partially clothed men crammed into a hot basement smeared with food and other substances; several pledges showed signs of physical assault. Two people were arrested and the national Alpha Epsilon Pi office said it would cooperate with investigators and condemned hazing.
The College Green on the campus of Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, U.S., on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021.
Lohse's Account And The Culture Of Silence
"You need a code of omertà if you're trying to create an organization that's essentially like a criminal organization," Lohse told Fox News Digital.
Lohse described extreme hazing he says he endured as a Dartmouth Sigma Alpha Epsilon pledge, including forced binge drinking, confinement in a crawlspace, being compelled to ingest unpleasant substances, and other degrading acts. He attributes the perpetuation of such practices to an unwritten code that discourages reporting and protects the group over individuals.
Responses, Reforms And Advice
The North American Interfraternity Conference said member safety is a top priority and highlighted new health and safety guidelines and support for tougher anti-hazing laws, including advocacy for federal legislation such as the Stop Campus Hazing Act. Sigma Alpha Epsilon faced a decade-long suspension at Dartmouth after prior hazing reports and was re-recognized this year.
Lohse advises prospective students to weigh the "opportunity cost" of joining Greek life: consider what you want from college and whether a fraternity will provide the support and values you seek.
Note: Investigations are ongoing in the Ole Miss deaths, the Penn State case and the Wisconsin hazing incident. Officials have released limited details and officials have requested patience until toxicology and court proceedings provide more clarity.
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