South Florida

FSU Imposes Interim Suspension on Fraternities, Sororities After Student's Death

Police say alcohol may have been a factor in student's death

Florida State University is imposing an indefinite interim suspension on all fraternities and sororities following the death of a student from South Florida.

University president John Thrasher announced the suspension on Monday, three days after the death of Andrew Coffey.

Coffey, a civil engineering major from Pompano Beach and a Pi Kappa Phi pledge, died after attending an off-campus house party. 

Tallahassee Police officials said there are indicators that alcohol may have been a factor but they're awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death.

FSU said the suspension also is in response to the arrest on Monday of a 20-year-old member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity for the sale and trafficking of cocaine.

"For this suspension to end, there will need to be a new normal for Greek Life at the university," Thrasher said in a statement. "There must be a new culture, and our students must be full participants in creating it."

During the interim suspension, fraternity and sorority chapters will be prohibited from holding new member events, council or chapter meetings, chapter organized tailgates, chapter events such as socials, philanthropy, retreats, intramurals, organized participation in Market Wednesday and organized participation in Homecoming.

They will be allowed to remain as residents in their fraternity or sorority house and will have meal service.

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