Oakes Estate of Adam vs Delta Chi: $4.2M Hazing Settlement

Oakes, Estate of Adam vs. The Delta Chi (ΔΧ) Fraternity Incorporated and Individual Defendants

Reviewed by

Bailor Bell

Practice Areas: Fraternity Hazing, Wrongful Death

Case Details

Who: Adam Oakes, a 19-year-old freshman, died as a result of a Big Brother fraternity ritual that was part of the required initiation, admission, and affiliation process to become a member of Delta Chi Fraternity, Incorporated (“Delta Chi”), a process carried out through Delta Chi’s authorized chapter at VCU (the “VCU Chapter”).
What Happened: Adam died from alcohol intoxication on February 27, 2021 – his blood-alcohol level was .419%. consume lethal quantities of a so-called “family drink”. During the initiation ritual, VCU Chapter officers and members supplied and coerced Adam to consume lethal quantities of a so-called “family drink”, which rendered him visibly and dangerously intoxicated, helpless, and in need of emergency medical care. Hours passed without any of the brothers seeking any aid or assistance for Adam, until he finally died on the floor, where he had been discarded.

Before Adam’s death, the Fraternity Defendants knew that VCU had previously imposed heavy sanctions against the VCU Chapter for engaging in hazing, alcohol misuse, and underground pledging. Following the imposition of these sanctions designed to protect underage recruits, Delta Chi employed legal counsel to pressure VCU to revoke the suspension and lift the sanctions. Delta Chi also knew or should have known that fraternity members had been accused of using alcohol as a weapon to disable and sexually assault women. Nevertheless, Delta Chi continued to pressure for the recruitment of new members at the VCU Chapter, which benefited Delta Chi.

Results

Nearly 4 years after his tragic hazing death, Delta Chi Fraternity Inc. and other defendants have agreed to pay $4.2 million to settle the wrongful death lawsuit. Our firm, along with Blankingship & Keith P.C. and Cantor Buckner Bucci P.C., is honored to have played a role in holding those responsible accountable and obtaining justice for Adam’s senseless death.

Impact

The family reached numerous substantial settlements with the University, Fraternity and multiple defendants, resulting in significant financial compensation and organizational changes to prevent future incidents of hazing. With the resources obtained, the family has established a nationwide foundation focused on hazing education and prevention. There was also a documentary released about this case.

Adams’ death led his family to establishing the Love Like Adam Foundation, which focuses on educating against hazing. The family also helped inspire “Adams Law” to help prevent future tragedies.