Criminal probe at standstill in Clemson death

A potential new witness has come forward in the case of the 2014 death of a fraternity pledge student at Clemson University. Clemson has suspended the fraternity – Sigma Phi Epsilon – for five years after it was found guilty of a series of violations unrelated to Hipps’ death. There is someone out there that knows exactly what happened.

The new filings – which are part of two $25 million lawsuits filed by Tucker Hipps’ family – allege that’s what happened before the 19-year-old Hipps fell to his death in September of last year, local media outlets reported Thursday.

That information came from a new witness, but now that witness is the cause of a public disagreement between Hipps’ family and county officials.

“Looking at this individual’s statement in relation to criminal charges being filed, there are multiple issues that arise”, the solicitor said. “The sheriff’s department thoroughly investigated and interviewed the alleged witness”. As students return to Clemson University, Cindy Hipps said she hopes more parents will make time to talk with their kids about safety. “He’s not quite sure of the time, or the day”.

He describes the group of students he saw on the bridge as having a good time which would indicate that there was no force or hazing involved. “Unless any other leads come into the Sheriff’s Office, the criminal investigation is at a standstill”. “We have honest hope that the people of this community will refrain from drawing conclusions until all the evidence has been presented”.

Hipps’ family has filed suits against Clemson University, the fraternity and the three frat brothers. Carney – who is accused of organizing the event – is the son of U.S. Rep. John Carney, a three-term congressman from Delaware. Until now, there was no official account of how he ended up in the lake.

The suits said the fraternity had a long tradition of ‘requiring, pressuring, encouraging and forcing’ pledge members to jump off bridges over the lake and swim to shore.

Clemson and members of Hipps’ fraternity have asked that the case be dismissed and have blamed Hipps for his own death.

According to the lawsuits, Sigma Phi Epsilon brothers attempted to cover up their role in Hipps’ death by deleting text messages, cellphone calls and, in one instance, changing phone numbers. But when he showed up without it, there was a confrontation.

Hipps then tried to climb back up with no help, but lost his grip and fell, striking his head on the rocks in shallow water below, according to the report.

Hipps was not reporting missing for seven hours, the suits claim.