Rider U. Settles Lawsuit Over Drinking Death at Fraternity

Rider University has settled a lawsuit stemming from a student’s death by alcohol poisoning in a fraternity incident two years ago that initially led to the indictment of officials at the New Jersey institution. According to the Associated Press, the financial terms of the settlement with the family of Gary DeVercelly Jr., who died with a blood-alcohol level of 0.426 percent, were not disclosed, but Rider pledged to ban alcohol at dormitory, sorority, and fraternity parties; impose stiffer punishments for drinking and hazing; and tell parents about violations. Two administrators, including the dean of students, were indicted after the incident, but a judge quickly dismissed the charges.