MORGANTOWN — West Virginia University said in a late Thursday press release that it has placed a number of students on interim suspension, and additional students may face disciplinary action, related to a student getting injured from a fall down a stairway at Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house on Sunday.
David Rusko, 22, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, a senior finance major, fell down stairs at the house while visiting with frat brothers, WVU said. His visit was not part of any organized fraternity event.
Rusko was knocked out and taken to the hospital for treatment.
WVU said an initial University Police investigation has focused on what happened in the time between Rusko’s fall and a call made by fraternity members to 911.
Officers have discovered that more than two hours lapsed between Rusko’s fall and the 911 call, WVU said.
“Based on the evidence found concerning that two-hour period, the university felt compelled to issue the individual interim suspensions, as well as place the SAE chapter on interim suspension,” WVU said.
The fraternity’s national office was also notified and issued its own cease and desist notice. Students and the fraternity may appeal the interim suspension, WVU said.
“We are a family here at West Virginia University,” Dean of Students Corey Farris said. “I am deeply disappointed in the apparent actions and inactions of these students, and the decisions that were made. As our investigation moves ahead, we remain very concerned about David’s condition. He will continue to be in our prayers.”
The Dominion Post has contacted the national fraternity for comment and is awaiting reply.
