Lawsuit Filed Against SDSU and Fraternity Over Hazing Incident

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An artistic representation of the risks associated with fraternity hazing.

News Summary

A civil lawsuit has been initiated by 19-year-old Lars Larsen against San Diego State University and the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity following a severe hazing incident in February 2024. The lawsuit alleges that fraternity members compelled Larsen to participate in a dangerous skit that resulted in him being set on fire, leading to severe burns and extensive medical treatment. This incident raises serious concerns about the ongoing issues of hazing within fraternity systems and the responsibilities of universities in ensuring student safety.

San Diego, CA – A civil lawsuit has been filed by 19-year-old Lars Larsen against San Diego State University (SDSU) and the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity following a severe hazing incident in February 2024. The lawsuit alleges that fraternity members compelled Larsen to partake in a dangerous skit that culminated in him being set on fire, leading to severe burns and extensive medical treatment.

The incident occurred at a hazing event held on February 17, where Larsen was reportedly forced to dress as a tiger as part of the fraternity’s initiation activities. After the fire spread uncontrollably, fraternity members moved him to a shower and wrapped him in a blanket; however, they delayed calling 911 for three hours. As a result, Larsen was hospitalized for ten days at a Hillcrest hospital and subsequently transferred to UC Davis Medical Center for further treatment.

Medical reports indicated that Larsen suffered burns covering over 16 percent of his body, primarily on his legs. His treatment included skin grafts and daily medical care. The lawsuit claims that both the fraternity and SDSU failed to provide a safe environment and did not enforce existing disciplinary measures to prevent hazing and dangerous conduct.

Larsen stated that prior to this life-threatening incident, he had already survived other hazardous hazing rituals, which included an incident where a guitar was broken over his head during a different skit. The lawsuit additionally reveals that fraternity members suggested he delete text messages related to the incident to conceal evidence of their actions.

In connection with the hazing incident, four fraternity members, including Larsen, now face felony charges. The charges include recklessly causing a fire resulting in great bodily injury and conspiracy to commit actions harmful to the public. This serious legal action highlights the grave consequences of hazardous fraternity practices.

At the time of the incident, Phi Kappa Psi was already on disciplinary probation for previous violations concerning hazing and alcohol abuse. Following an anonymous tip received by the Dean of Students Office, the fraternity was placed on interim suspension, and an administrative investigation was initiated to look into the conduct of fraternity members.

As of March 25, 2025, SDSU announced that Phi Kappa Psi had been expelled from the university. Furthermore, the institution is conducting an additional investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Due to student privacy laws, SDSU has refrained from commenting on the ongoing legal matter.

This lawsuit underscores a troubling history of hazing and dangerous activities within the fraternity system at SDSU, which has seen previous similar incidents resulting in fatalities and serious injuries. The ongoing scrutiny of fraternity practices may lead to more significant reforms aimed at ensuring student safety and preventing further tragedies.

The outcome of the lawsuit and the criminal charges against fraternity members will likely have implications not just for those involved, but also for the broader fraternity community and university policies regarding hazing and student conduct.