Anne Ryman

The Republic | azcentral.com

Phi Gamma Delta fraternity put on interim suspension.

Fraternity can%27t conduct activities while under investigation.

A University of Arizona fraternity has been put on interim suspension while officials investigate allegations of hazing and underage drinking and claims that members "conspired" to withhold information from police during an investigation into the death of a fraternity member.

The Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, which is better known as FIJI, is prohibited from conducting activities while the university investigation is ongoing.



Fraternity member Michael Evan Anderson died in April after he fell from a 20-foot metal cooling tower on the roof of a residence hall.

Anderson and another student had scaled the exterior wall of the three-story building to get to the roof and then tried to climb the tower.

University police and the Tucson Fire Department responded to a 911 call and tried to resuscitate Anderson, but he died at the scene.

Since the accident, UA police have been looking into how the 19-year-old freshman spent his last few hours.

The fraternity's activities have been a focus.

FIJI was already on probation at the time for alcohol violations in 2013. During the investigation into Anderson's death, allegations emerged that fraternity members had violated additional university rules.

"We would be remiss if we allowed them to continue to operate, knowing what we know right now. These are allegations at this point, and they will have the opportunity to respond," UA Dean of Students Kendal Washington White said.

The fraternity's president could not be reached for comment.

UA sent a letter to the fraternity on Wednesday, saying the university was investigating allegations that FIJI hosted events where alcohol was provided to minors on "multiple occasions."

The letter mentions at least 20 incidents from December to April.

Fraternity members also are suspected of hazing new members by throwing food at them and kicking one in the stomach.

White said university police investigating Anderson's death found that some fraternity members provided inaccurate information.

The letter sent to the fraternity alleges that members were told to "deny alcohol presence to police and hide activities" from UA.

FIJI has a privately owned house on UA's Tucson campus.

While on suspension, members can't recruit new members or conduct chapter business.

"They are pretty much done until we complete our investigation," White said.



Reach the reporter at 602-444-8072 or anne.ryman@arizonarepublic.com