10 arrested for hazing in death of LSU freshman from Roswell

BATON ROUGE, La. - Arrest warrants have been issued for ten people for hazing charges in the death case of a Louisiana State University fraternity pledge from Roswell, according to the Associated Press.

Eight of the suspects are LSU students and were active members of the fraternity, according to university spokesman Ernie Ballard. He said all 10 are expected to be jailed Wednesday once they turn themselves in to LSU police.

"The LSU Police Department has communicated with the Gruver family throughout the investigation process, and the university has also been in touch with them regarding today's arrests," LSU's statement says.

Maxwell Gruver, 18, died at a Baton Rouge hospital on Sept. 14 after Phi Delta Theta members found him lying on a couch at the fraternity house and couldn't tell if he was breathing, police said.

Preliminary autopsy tests showed Gruver had highly elevated blood alcohol level plus the presence of THC in his urine, according to the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner's Office.

According to police reports, Max Gruver may have been forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol during a fraternity initiation ritual the night before he died. 

The reports state the ritual, referred to as "Bible Study," meant pledges had to drink if they incorrectly answered questions about the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. 

The 18-year-old freshman was found on a couch the morning of September 14 with a weak pulse. He died at the hospital later that day. 

Police said he was rushed to the emergency room from the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity House late Wednesday night.

"I can confirm that LSU police is investigating the death of 18-year-old Maxwell Raymond Gruver, an LSU freshman from Roswell, Georgia. LSU police are investigating the case as a potential hazing incident involving the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity," said Ernie Ballard, LSU Communications Director.

"There are allegations of Maxwell's death, there were allegations that they were related to hazing, but I want to emphasize that this is an evolving situation. We are investigating this matter with the utmost seriousness. As we have continually warned over and over again, hazing is dangerous, irresponsible, and unacceptable, and it will not be tolerated at LSU period," said F. King Alexander, LSU President.

Gruver graduated from Blessed Trinity Catholic School and had not yet pledged with the fraternity.

All Greek activities on the campus of LSU have been suspended indefinitely.

LSU Phi Delta Theta chapter released the following statement on Twitter:

"We are deeply saddened by the sudden and heartbreaking loss of our friend and prospective member, Max Gruver.

"Although our chapter has been placed on immediate suspension, we are committed to fully cooperating with local law enforcement, as well as officials from Louisiana State University and our international fraternity headquarters, as they investigate this tragic situation.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Gruver family and all that knew Max during this very difficult time."

Gruver graduated from Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell last school year. Students told FOX 5, a Mass was held in his honor Friday. Other students in mourning did not come to school Friday.

The Archdiocese released a letter from Principal Brian Marks, sent to families on Gruver's death:

"We are deeply saddened to inform you that Maxwell Gruver, Class of 2017, passed away today unexpectedly.

"Please pray for the repose of his soul. Please keep his family in your prayers as well.

"God of mercy, hear our prayers and be merciful to Max, whom You have called from this life. Welcome him into the company of Your saints, in Your kingdom of light and peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen."

The Associated Press contributed to this article.