**Missouri Student Survives Worst Fraternity Hazing Injury: Parents Share Story**
A disturbing incident at the University of Missouri has brought to light the dangers of fraternity hazing and the devastating consequences it can have on young lives. Daniel “Danny” Santulli, a freshman at the university, found himself at the center of a horrifying ordeal during a fraternity pledge event that left him with life-altering injuries.
**The Night of Horror:**
On October 19, 2021, Santulli was blindfolded and shirtless as he was forced to drink a bottle of vodka taped to his hand at the fraternity event. The excessive consumption of alcohol resulted in severe alcohol poisoning, leaving the young student unable to see, walk, or speak. His parents, Mary Pat and Tom Santulli, have bravely come forward to share their son’s story in hopes of raising awareness about the dangers of hazing.
**Family’s Heart-Wrenching Journey:**
The Santulli family has been through a harrowing ordeal as they witnessed their son’s struggle to recover from the traumatic incident. Prior to the hazing, Santulli had been facing immense peer pressure and emotional stress, which ultimately led to his participation in the dangerous activities orchestrated by the fraternity. His mother, Mary Pat, recalls the heart-wrenching moments leading up to the night that changed their lives forever.
**A Call for Accountability:**
As the family continues to navigate the challenges of caring for Santulli, they are determined to hold those responsible for his injuries accountable. The painful footage of the incident serves as a reminder of the abuse and negligence that occurred that fateful night. The Santullis are on a mission to seek justice for their son and prevent similar tragedies from happening to other young students.
**Legal Action and Consequences:**
In the aftermath of the hazing incident, legal action was taken against the fraternity and its members involved in Santulli’s injuries. The civil lawsuit filed by the family resulted in a settlement, highlighting the need for accountability in cases of hazing. Several fraternity members faced criminal charges for supplying alcohol to a minor and engaging in hazing activities, leading to jail time and probation.
**Long Road to Recovery:**
Santulli’s journey to recovery has been arduous, requiring round-the-clock care and specialized therapy to address the significant brain damage he sustained. Despite the challenges, his family remains hopeful as they witness small improvements in his condition. The support of healthcare professionals, caregivers, and loved ones has been crucial in Santulli’s ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
**Impact on the Community:**
The incident involving Santulli has sparked conversations about the pervasive culture of hazing within Greek organizations and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such tragedies. The University of Missouri took swift action to shut down the fraternity chapter responsible for Santulli’s injuries, signaling a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students on campus.
**Educating and Empowering Parents:**
As the Santulli family continues to share their story, they hope to educate other parents and students about the dangers of hazing and the importance of advocating for safer practices within Greek life organizations. By raising awareness and encouraging open dialogue about the risks associated with hazing, they aim to prevent future incidents and protect vulnerable students from harm.
**Conclusion:**
The Santulli family’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of fraternity hazing and the urgent need for accountability and reform within Greek organizations. As they continue to advocate for justice and awareness, their story serves as a cautionary tale for parents, students, and university administrators alike. By working together to address the root causes of hazing and promote a culture of safety and respect, we can create a campus community where all students can thrive without fear of harm or exploitation.