University at Buffalo suspends all fraternities and sororities after student critically injured by potential hazing

A University at Buffalo student is in critical condition after a possible hazing incident involving a college fraternity, prompting the president of the western New York school to suspend all Greek life activities.

The incident, which happened overnight Thursday, took place at the Sigma Pi house, according to WKBW-TV in Buffalo.

The Buffalo Police Department said it is investigating the matter and that a student was rushed to the hospital with a "serious medical condition" believed to be the result of the incident of "potential hazing."

The university Saturday identified the student as Sebastian Serafin-Bazan, an 18-year-old freshman from Port Chester, New York. He's currently a patient at Buffalo General Hospital. The school said it can't provide an update of his condition because of federal privacy laws that protect patients.

"Out of respect for the family’s privacy, the university will have no other comment at this time," school officials said in a statement.

Further details have not been disclosed. But the television station cited a source close to the investigation who said student was "on life support" Friday night.

The Buffalo News reported that Serafin-Bazan had no alcohol or drugs in his system but went into cardiac arrest during possible hazing that included forced exercises by fraternity brothers. Serafin-Bazan was recently treated for a respiratory ailment, the newspaper said.

In a statement, University at Buffalo President Satish Tripathi said the school has reached out to the student's family and is providing "all the assistance and comfort we can to them during this incredibly difficult time."

He said the university has "zero tolerance" for hazing. "Not only are hazing incidents a violation of our university policies, but they are also crimes."

"Therefore, at my direction," he said, "the official activities of all recognized fraternities and sororities are suspended effective immediately."

Tripathi added that the university community is committed to ensuring a safe educational environment for students. He vowed to perform an internal review of the activities of the school's fraternities and sororities and will "strongly counsel" all Greek organization about the University at Buffalo's zero-tolerance policy on hazing.

Jonathan Frost, executive director and CEO of the Sigma Pi Fraternity & Foundation, issued a statement that said, "Sigma Pi has recently learned of a reported allegation of health & safety policy violations at Epsilon-Omicron Chapter at the University at Buffalo.

"At this time, we are currently gathering information and, if necessary, will provide further comment after all facts have been gathered."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: University at Buffalo suspends all fraternities and sororities after student critically injured by potential hazing