UPDATE: The parents of Sawyer Lee Updike, an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Texas at Austin, have filed a $10 million lawsuit against the Sigma Chi fraternity, claiming their son’s tragic suicide was a direct result of horrific hazing practices. This shocking development comes nearly two years after Updike’s death on January 16, 2024, in a parking lot, where he succumbed to the psychological torment inflicted during his pledge period.
New reports detail that Updike experienced a relentless cycle of demeaning and brutal hazing, including being burned with cigarettes, beaten, and even being speared with a fishhook. His parents, Sheryl Roberts-Updike and Lee J. Updike, allege that this systematic abuse led to a devastating mental health crisis that culminated in his suicide.
“This was cruel, senseless, and preventable,” stated Sheryl, echoing the deep anguish of parents grappling with the loss of their promising son. The lawsuit outlines a chilling account of Updike’s final months, describing how fraternity members coerced him into drug use and threatened violence against his loved ones if he did not comply with their demands.
The lawsuit claims that the hazing culture within Sigma Chi was not only pervasive but also known to older members who participated in and endorsed the abuse. By mid-January 2024, Updike’s mental state had deteriorated significantly, exacerbated by forced drug use that left him intoxicated and vulnerable.
On that fateful day, after a disturbing cycle of abuse, Sawyer left the fraternity house and drove to a nearby convenience store where he tragically took his own life. His parents are now determined to seek justice for their son, believing that no student should endure such trauma in pursuit of belonging.
The Sigma Chi fraternity has since closed its UT Austin chapter and expelled several members following an internal investigation into the allegations. In a statement, Michael J. Church, Executive Director of Sigma Chi International Fraternity, expressed deep sorrow over Updike’s death, vowing to hold accountable anyone found responsible for the alleged actions.
“No parent should ever lose a child, and certainly not because of hazing disguised as brotherhood,” Sheryl emphasized, as she and her husband reflect on their son’s promising future that was cut short.
As this lawsuit unfolds, it raises critical questions about fraternity cultures and the urgent need for reforms to protect students from such destructive behaviors. The Updikes urge for accountability and change, hoping that their fight will prevent future tragedies.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The upcoming court proceedings will shed light on the fraternity’s internal practices and may lead to broader discussions regarding hazing policies at universities nationwide. As the community rallies around the Updike family, this case could be pivotal in reforming fraternity culture across college campuses.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story continues to unfold.
