Fraternity Hazing Death Update: Drugs Found In Rental Home Where Michael Deng Dies

Marijuana and hallucinogenic mushrooms were found during a search of the Pocono rental house where Michael Deng died during a hazing ritual part of the Pi Delta Psi Asian-American fraternity, the Associated Press reported.

Pledge paddles, frat sweatshirts, computers, backpacks, clothing and a photocopied documents about moral problems with torture were recovered from the rental house where to 30 members were staying during the induction of four new members, which included Deng, 19, who died from traumatic brain injury on Monday morning, the AP reported.

Luzerne County Coroner's office released a statement on Friday saying Deng died from head injuries caused by blunt force trauma, but the death has not been ruled homicide or accidental, according to the AP.

Deng allegedly died during a hazing ritual called the glass ceiling in which he has to try and make his way towards one member, while others tackle him and try to prohibit him from reaching his goal all while blindfolded, the AP reported.

The affidavit states it was during this activity, which took place outside in the snow, that Deng was pushed and hit his head and immediately fell unconscious brain dead, according to the AP. The members involved said it was too dark outside to know who pushed him.

The report also stated a 911 call was not placed. Instead, the members took Deng inside and placed him by the fire to warm up while they Googled his symptoms before three brothers took him to the closest hospital, which was 30 miles away, in their car, the AP reported. He was concluded brain dead upon arrival and died.

The three brothers who took Deng to the hospital first told authorities he hit his head while wrestling in the snow, but later changed their story to the glass ceiling ritual, according to the AP. One of the members called brothers at the house and told them to get rid of "all fraternity memorabilia and items."

The fraternity has been suspended of recruiting any new members, and the Pi Delta Psi national headquarters said the incident occurred during an unsanctioned event by the organization, the AP reported.

"We are in the process of notifying all of our members and we will be conducting a full investigation into this incident," National Executive President Andy C. Meng said, according to the AP. "We will also be working closely with the appropriate entities involved."

David Christine, Monroe County District Attorney said charged would be filed as soon as the probe was finished, but gave no insight on who would be charged, or what those charges could be, the AP reported.

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