Jury Awards $7.8 Million in Bloomsburg Hazing Death Case
Antonio Tsialas, a Cornell University freshman, died in October 2019 after attending a "dirty rush" fraternity event at Phi Kappa Psi, where he was subjected to excessive alcohol consumption. His body was found two days later at the base of Fall Creek gorge. His family filed a lawsuit against Cornell and the fraternity, alleging negligence and hazing. Cornell settled with the family in December 2020, revoking the fraternity's recognition and establishing anti-hazing initiatives. Most recently, in January 2026, a jury awarded Tsialas's estate $7.8 million, likely against the remaining defendants in the lawsuit.
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2026
2 updatesA jury awards Antonio Tsialas's estate $7.8 million, likely against the remaining defendants in the lawsuit.
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A Luzerne County jury awarded a $7.8 million verdict in the hazing death of Bloomsburg University freshman Justin King, who died in 2019. The jury found the Alpha Sigma Tau national sorority 35% at fault, requiring it to pay $2.73 million to King's estate. The Kappa Sigma fraternity was allocated 35% responsibility, and King himself was found 24% at fault.
2022
1 update
2022
1 updateThe Phi Kappa Psi Association initiates a lawsuit against Cornell University concerning the future use of the former fraternity house, following the university's permanent revocation of recognition.
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2021
1 update
2021
1 updateThe New York Times reports on the Antonio Tsialas case, confirming that the civil case against Cornell has been resolved.
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2020
5 updates
2020
5 updatesThe Tsialas family reaches a settlement with Cornell University, which includes compensation, disclosure of police investigation files, a perpetual scholarship in Antonio's name, and renaming the annual anti-hazing prevention week in his honor.
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Cornell University indefinitely revokes recognition of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, banning it from operating on campus due to violations related to the "dirty rush" event.
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A Tompkins County judge rules that the lawsuit against Cornell can proceed, denying Cornell's motion to dismiss and finding a valid case for negligence and premises liability.
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Cornell University Police find that Phi Kappa Psi engaged in numerous violations of university policies and anti-hazing policies during the fall 2019 semester.
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Antonio Tsialas's family files a lawsuit against the national fraternity, its Cornell chapter, seven members, and Cornell University, alleging negligence and hazing.
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2019
2 updates
2019
2 updatesAntonio Tsialas's parents offer a $10,000 reward for information regarding their son's death.
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Antonio Tsialas's body is found at the base of Fall Creek gorge, two days after he went missing. An autopsy later confirms blunt force trauma and acute alcohol intoxication.
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Story began · 6 years, 5 mo ago