News Summary
A student at San Diego State University has filed a lawsuit against the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, alleging negligence related to a hazing incident that resulted in severe injuries. The lawsuit claims the fraternity facilitated a dangerous environment where the student suffered extensive burns after being set on fire during a fraternity event. Despite the seriousness of the injuries, a three-hour delay in calling emergency services is also cited. The case raises concerns about fraternity practices on campus and has led to the fraternity’s interim suspension pending investigations.
San Diego, CA – A 19-year-old student at San Diego State University (SDSU) has filed a lawsuit against the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, the university, and the California State University system. The complaint arises from a hazing incident that occurred on February 17, 2024, during which the student, Lars Larsen, suffered severe injuries, including third-degree burns over 16% of his body.
In his lawsuit, Larsen accuses the fraternity and the university of negligence, claiming they fostered a dangerous environment on public property. The incident reportedly involved a skit where he was set on fire and subsequently struck on the head with a guitar. Following the fire, Larsen alleges there was a three-hour delay in calling emergency services, leading to inadequate initial medical care. He was eventually placed in a shower wrapped in an aluminum blanket to cool his injuries.
Larsen spent ten days hospitalized before being transferred to UC Davis Medical Center for specialized treatment, which included skin grafts and ongoing care. The lawsuit raises serious concerns about the practices of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, particularly because the fraternity was already under probation for unspecified prior violations at the time of the incident.
On January 2025, Larsen was one of four fraternity members arraigned on multiple felony charges related to the incident, including recklessly causing a fire with great bodily injury and conspiracy to commit an act injurious to the public. The other defendants include Caden Cooper (22), Lucas Cowling (20), and Christopher Serrano (20), all of whom have pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors allege that Cooper was serving as the fraternity’s president, while Cowling was a member of the pledge board. Both Serrano and Larsen were identified as pledges.
According to prosecutors, the skit was premeditated, taking place during a party at the fraternity house where alcohol was consumed by pledges despite their underage status. Following the incident, it is alleged that the defendants attempted to conceal the event by deleting evidence and instructing other fraternity members to remain silent to avoid consequences.
If found guilty of all charges, the defendants could face sentences ranging from probation to as much as seven years and two months in prison.
In response to the lawsuit, SDSU reported that it does not comment on ongoing legal matters. However, the university emphasized its commitment to the health and safety of its students. Following the allegations, SDSU launched a separate administrative investigation into the fraternity’s practices and the individual’s conduct based on an anonymous tip about the hazing activities.
As a result of these serious allegations, the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity has been placed under interim suspension and is currently barred from carrying out any organizational activities while investigations continue.
SDSU has a known history of issues related to fraternity behavior, including past probationary measures and expulsions tied to hazing and substance abuse violations. The current case, which reignites concerns about the culture surrounding fraternities on campus, is set for a preliminary exam readiness hearing on October 7, 2025. The defendants are required to comply with release conditions, including a prohibition from participating in fraternity events.
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Additional Resources
- Courthouse News
- Wikipedia: Hazing
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: San Diego State University hazing incident
- CBS 8
- Google Scholar: Fraternity Hazing Lawsuits
- NBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraternity
- 10 News
- Google News: San Diego State University fraternity news
