Ohio U ordered cease-and-desist to fraternity after death of recent pledge

The university’s order to halt organizational activities came after the death of a freshman Monday night at an off-campus apartment, unofficially linked to Sigma Pi.

[dropcap txtcolor="#234a83" style="dropcap1"]O[/dropcap]hio University issued a cease-and-desist order to the Sigma Pi fraternity Tuesday after the death of an Ohio U freshman Monday morning. Collin Wiant, 18, was found unresponsive around 2:50 a.m. Monday in a Mill Street apartment unofficially associated with the Epsilon chapter of Sigma Pi. Wiant was pronounced dead at OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital, the Athens News reported. The Athens Police Department is investigating his death. Ohio U confirmed in a statement Tuesday that Wiant was a recent pledge of the fraternity. Sigma Pi has been ordered to stop all organizational activities. [AdSense-A]Though the circumstances surrounding Wiant’s death are still being investigated, university Spokesperson Carly Leatherwood said the order was cautionary, noting the apartment’s and Wiant’s affiliation with the fraternity.  “As an abundance of caution, the university has issued an administrative directive to the Epsilon chapter of Sigma Pi immediately cease and desist all organizational activities,” Leatherwood said in a statement.The cease-and-desist order reads: "The Office of Community Standards and Student Responsibility has received information which alleges that your organization has engaged in conduct that puts the health and safety of your members at risk and is not in compliance with the behavioral expectations set out in the Student Code of Conduct. This letter serves as notification that the Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Pi Fraternity has been assigned an administrative directive to immediately cease and desist all organizational activities."Sigma Pi has been instructed not to meet “in any capacity” — officially or unofficially. This includes communication among the group via text or social media. The Office of Community Standards and Student Responsibility will also conduct its own investigation. The university is “deeply saddened” by this news, according to its statement. Dean of Students Jenny Hall-Jones has been in contact with Wiant’s family and the university will provide support to those affect by his death.