Tenn. Student Death Tied to Hazing

N A S H V I L L E, Tenn, March 30 -- A medical examiner has ruled that aTennessee State University student who collapsed suddenly whilejogging died as a result of fraternity hazing.

Joseph T. Green Jr. of Antioch, Tenn., died as a result of"exercise during fraternity initiation," the coroner's reportsays.

Green, 25, was taken to Skyline Medical Center after hecollapsed on Jan. 29. He was experiencing heart problems andbreathing difficulties, and he had a temperature of 103.7 degreesbefore he died.

The official cause of death is listed as hyperthermia — or highfever — induced by exercise and environment, along with acuteasthma attack.

Nashville medical examiner Dr. Bruce Levy said he believed Greenwas asked to perform various physical activities as part of aninitiation into a fraternity.

The medical examiner's information is based on responses topolice questioning by students in the fraternity, Omega Psi Phi.