PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WWSB) – The family of an 18-year-old University of Texas freshman who died by suicide in January 2024 has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Sigma Chi fraternity’s national chapter and individual members, alleging abuse and hazing.
Sheri Roberts Updike said she discovered photos on her son Sawyer Updike’s phone after his death showing him beaten, bruised and forced to take drugs.
“I just couldn’t believe that it was my kid. Not that one. Not that kid. I really, I couldn’t believe it. And I didn’t understand it,” she said. “I really didn’t know what to do. But I knew that this culture of brotherhood that involved torturing people was not the way to go. You do not torture your friends.”
The UT chapter closed after investigating the allegations. The family is also suing a new group members organized called “Texas Alpha Nu,” which was ordered to shut down on November 21, one day after the lawsuit was filed…