Washington · 60 Minutes
Anti-hazing “Sam’s Law” enacted in Washington
Anderson Cooper reports for 60 Minutes on the hazing death of Sam Martinez and the Washington law his family fought to pass in his name.
Case Result · Hazing
Samuel H. Martinez Fraternity Hazing Death
2026 WA Supreme Court — WSU owed Sam a duty of care
Washington State University · Pullman, WA
Last updated October 7, 2026
Martinez, Estate of Samuel H. vs. Washington State University, Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and Individual Defendants
Case Details
Who: Samuel H. Martinez was a freshman student whose death occurred in connection with alcohol-related fraternity conduct at Washington State University.
What Happened: Washington State University freshman, Samuel Martinez, 19, died from alcohol poisoning in November 2019 while attending an event at the Alpha Tau Omega. Martinez and another pledge were allegedly ordered to finish a half-gallon of rum between them, and his blood-alcohol content was measured at 0.372% after his death, nearly five times the legal limit. Pullman Police originally ruled out hazing, but later rescinded that statement following witness interviews. The coroner later ruled Martinez died accidentally from acute alcohol intoxication and said 911 was not called until four hours after he died.
Results
Washington State University was initially dismissed from the matter, but in January 2025, “in a landmark decision, the Washington State Court of Appeals ruled that Washington State University (WSU) bears responsibility for the 2019 alcohol-related death of a freshman student, marking the first time a university has been held accountable for a hazing-related fatality in the state.”
The Court of Appeals found WSU was aware of ATO’s problematic past but didn’t implement effective measures. University and law enforcement documents reveal that despite numerous reports about ATO’s conduct filed with campus authorities in the five years before Sam died, disciplinary actions were minimal.
In July 2026, the Washington Supreme Court affirmed. In Martinez & Houtz v. Washington State University (No. 104108-0), the court held that WSU’s long-standing relationship with the fraternity, and its ability to control it, meant WSU “owed a legal duty to Sam Martinez to act with reasonable care to protect him from the foreseeable harm of Gamma Chi’s hazing rituals.” The case now returns to the trial court. Read the Supreme Court opinion.
Impact
The ruling marked the first time a university in Washington State has been held accountable for a hazing-related fatality, significantly expanding institutional responsibility for student safety and alcohol-related fraternity misconduct.
In the Media
Sam's death, the fight for accountability, and the law it inspired, as covered by national and local media.
Washington · KOMO News
“The hazing death of Sam Martinez, a mother’s call to action”
Sam’s mother, Jolayne Houtz, joins KOMO News anchor Kelly Koopmans on Connect with Kelly Koopmans to talk about navigating the loss of her son and the work she has taken up since — pressing for transparency about hazing on college campuses nationwide.
KING 5
WSU Was Aware of Hazing Problems on Greek Row Before Sam Martinez’s Death, Parents Allege
KING 5 reports on the family's allegations that Washington State University knew of Alpha Tau Omega's history yet failed to act before Sam died.
Read the coverage
CBS News · 60 Minutes
How Hazing Led to the Death of Our Client, Sam Martinez — Douglas Fierberg Sits Down with Anderson Cooper
The firm's founder, Douglas Fierberg, joins Anderson Cooper to discuss the case, the dangers of fraternity hazing, and the fight to hold institutions accountable.
Read the coverage
KUOW
Their Son Died in a Hazing Incident at WSU. They've Since Worked to Change Washington's Laws Around Hazing
KUOW follows Sam's parents as they turn their grief into advocacy, pushing for the state legislation that became Sam's Law.
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