Family Of NIU Student Who Died In Hazing Incident Files Lawsuit

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The family of a Northern Illinois University freshman who died in an alcohol-related hazing incident last November filed a lawsuit Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court seeking unspecified damages.

The 14-page complaint names the national fraternity organization Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity, Inc., the local NIU chapter and officers and members of the fraternity alleged to have been involved in the initiation event.

19-year-old David Bogenberger died last November after a party at the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house, where he was a pledge. His blood alcohol level was five times the legal limit.

Bogenberger was found dead inside the house the next morning, a coroner saying the alcohol contributed to his death.

Five fraternity members face felony charges in Bogenberger's death. Seventeen others face misdemeanor hazing charges, all of them are also facing expulsion from school.