Two former University of Pennsylvania students, Brendan Young and Daniel Casey, have pleaded guilty to misdemeanor hazing and reckless endangerment in connection with the 2017 hazing death of fraternity pledge Timothy Piazza.

Young and Casey, who were the president and vice president of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, faced multiple charges after Piazza, 19, died from injuries sustained during an alcohol-fueled pledge event. The incident led to the enactment of the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law and significant policy changes at the university, including a ban on the fraternity and restrictions on Greek life activities. The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office prosecuted the case, with sentencing set for October 1.

Brendan Young, now 28 years old, and Daniel Casey, 27, both held leadership roles within the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at the University of Pennsylvania when the tragic incident occurred. They each faced one count of reckless endangerment and 14 counts of misdemeanor hazing in relation to the death of Timothy Piazza.

The sequence of events leading to Piazza’s death began during a fraternity pledge event in 2017. Piazza was served a substantial amount of alcohol and participated in what prosecutors described as an 'obstacle course' that required the pledges to consume excessive quantities of alcohol. This resulted in Piazza's blood alcohol content reaching levels between .28 and .36.

The high levels of intoxication led Piazza to fall multiple times throughout the night, causing catastrophic internal injuries. Despite obvious signs of severe distress, critically, no one called emergency services immediately. Instead, Piazza was left unattended for several hours following his falls.

Piazza suffered significant internal injuries, including a ruptured spleen and hemorrhagic shock, which ultimately led to his death. The lack of timely medical attention was a crucial factor in the fatal outcome, as indicated in the investigation conducted by authorities.

As the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office took over the prosecution of the case, it highlighted the severe consequences of hazing practices within fraternities. This incident was one of several that propelled states to reconsider and reform their hazing laws.

The University of Pennsylvania responded to the tragedy by banning the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and instituting a moratorium on all Greek life parties involving alcohol. These measures aimed to prevent further incidents and underscored the university's commitment to student safety.

The broader impact of Piazza’s death led to legislative changes within Pennsylvania. The Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law was enacted in response to the incident, aiming to impose stricter penalties on hazing activities and to enforce better oversight of fraternity and sorority activities. The law mandates more robust anti-hazing education and clearer reporting mechanisms.

Brendan Young and Daniel Casey are scheduled to be sentenced on October 1. The legal proceedings will determine the consequences they will face for their roles in the events that led to Piazza's death. The case remains a stark reminder of the dangers of hazing and the responsibility of fraternity leaders to safeguard their members.

Timothy Piazza's parents have been vocal advocates for anti-hazing legislation and increased awareness about the dangers of fraternity hazing. Their efforts have contributed significantly to the conversation on college campuses nationwide about the need for reform and vigilant enforcement of anti-hazing measures.

The impact of Timothy Piazza's death continues to be felt across Penn State University and beyond. The incident has inspired the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.