Westwood grad among 10 arrested in LSU student's hazing death

WESTWOOD, Mass. — A Westwood man is among 10 people facing charges in a fraternity pledge’s hazing death that made national headlines.

Patrick Forde, 20, is a member of the fraternity, but is no longer enrolled at Louisiana State University where the incident happened.

Maxwell Gruver, 18, was a LSU student who loved sports and wanted to be a sports writer someday.

On the last day of his life, authorities said Gruver was pelted with hot sauce and mustard, and was ordered to recite the Greek alphabet as part of his pledge for Phi Delta Theta.

He was forced to chug hard liquor.

Ten students turned themselves in to police Wednesday, with one of them being from Westwood.

“They are all polite, well-mannered boys,” neighbor David Lindgren said. “They are polite boys. A nice family.”

Neighbors of Forde were stunned by the news. He's a recent graduate of Westwood High School.

Authorities in Louisiana said the victim has a blood alcohol level of .495, which is more than six times the legal limit in most states.

Police are calling it a hazing incident.

Witnesses told police that one of the students forced Gruver to drink because he didn’t like him.

Attorneys for the students spoke outside of court in Louisiana.

“There are not going to be any winners in this,” the attorney said. My client is terribly upset that Max died. We mourn his loss and feel bad for his family.”

Authorities in Louisiana said the victim has inhaled vomit and other fluid into his lungs, and he died of acute alcohol intoxication.

In Westwood, Forde’s mother refused to speak with Boston 25 News.

Neighbors are sending prayers to all of the families involved.

If Forde is convicted of hazing, he could spend up to a month in jail. If the charges are upgraded to negligent homicide, he could face up to five years.

Cox Media Group