George Desdunes – Hazing Death at Cornell University

Case Details

Who: George was a student at Cornell University who aspired to become a surgeon, inspired by his godfather. The wrongful death lawsuit was brought by George’s mother, Marie Lourdes André, against the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity (“SAE”), its officers, and members, seeking to hold them accountable under New York law and Cornell University’s Guidebook of Rights, Responsibilities, Requirements and Resources.

What Happened: According to the lawsuit, in the early morning hours of February 25, 2011, George was taken by Sigma Alpha Epsilon pledges as part of a longstanding fraternity ritual. He was bound at the wrists and ankles with zip ties and duct tape, questioned about the fraternity, and compelled to consume alcohol until he repeatedly lost consciousness. Despite requiring immediate medical attention, George was transported to the fraternity house, where he was placed on a couch while still bound and left unattended. He was later discovered by university personnel with zip ties still on his wrists and ankles. The investigation revealed an attempt by a pledge to interfere with the scene by removing the restraints before police arrived. George’s blood alcohol concentration was measured at 0.409 percent, and his death was determined to be the result of hazing.

Results

The lawsuit was aggressively contested by the fraternity and individual defendants over several years. The court ultimately rejected the defendants’ final efforts to dismiss the case, and the matter was resolved through a confidential, multi-million-dollar settlement in favor of George’s mother.

Ms.  André’s wrongful death lawsuit established a precedent in New York that enables victims of fraternity hazing and their families to hold national fraternities legally responsible for the death and other injuries caused by their members and chapters. SAE and its fraternity members spent years fighting the lawsuit, without success. When the fraternity defendants’ final effort to dismiss the lawsuit was rejected by the Court, we obtained a confidential, multi-million dollar settlement for George’s mother.

Impact

Beyond the civil resolution, the case led to changes in how Cornell University addresses and responds to hazing allegations. The outcome strengthened accountability for fraternity hazing, influenced institutional practices, and helped prevent similar harm to other students by reinforcing the consequences of dangerous initiation rituals.

By holding accountable those responsible, both the individuals and the national fraternity, Ms. André obtained justice for the tragic and senseless death of her son, George.  In changing the way Cornell University handles claims of hazing, Ms. André effectively prevented others from enduring the same hardships she will forever suffer.

We were honored to support her efforts.

In the Media

The Today Show Interviews TFNLG Hazing Attorney Doug Fierberg & George Desdunes’ Mother Regarding Her Son’s Hazing Death at Cornell University

Podcast Features

Campus Files: The Hazing of George Desdunes [Podcast] – Featuring TFNLG Attorney Douglas Fierberg