Carson Starkey Hazing Death Case

Case Details

– California Superior Court, San Luis Obispo County, Case No. CV 09 0534

Who: This case arose from the death of Carson Starkey, a student at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). Our firm represented Carson’s family following his death during a fraternity pledge ritual conducted by members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

What Happened: Cal Poly student Carson Starkey died of acute alcohol poisoning on Dec. 2, 2008, after fraternity-related hazing. Carson was among the pledges who were ordered by Sigma Alpha Epsilon leaders to drink large quantities of beer and hard alcohol in a matter of minutes – some of whom were encouraged to vomit and keep drinking. Carson’s blood-alcohol level was 0.40.

Later, some Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity members began to take Carson to the hospital because he was struggling to remain conscious and appeared severely ill. But they turned around in fear of getting in trouble and placed him on a mattress in the house, where he went back to sleep.

Carson never woke up again after being left unresponsive, unmonitored and abandoned on a mattress.

Results

Carson’s family obtained numerous substantial financial settlements against the fraternity and individual members responsible for the hazing.

The case also established legal precedent in California, holding fraternities legally liable for hazing rituals conducted by their members.

Impact

The litigation resulted in substantial changes to the way the University prevents and monitors hazing, strengthening oversight and accountability within Greek life.

In addition, Carson’s family established the nonprofit, Aware Awake Alive, which aims to create awareness about alcohol poisoning and encourages bystanders to step in. They also have advocated for medical amnesty laws that grant immunity to minors who seek medical help in emergencies involving drugs and alcohol.

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