A service of Salisbury University and University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Delaware Congressman's Son Faces Lawsuit Over Fraternity Death

Governor John Carney (D-DE)
official photo
Governor John Carney (D-DE)

The son of Delaware congressman John Carney has been named as a defendant in a lawsuit involving a hazing incident that resulted in the death of a 19-year old Clemson University Student.

The incident occurred on September 22nd when Tucker Hipps tumbled off a bridge headfirst into the shallow waters of Lake Hartwell after a dispute with a fellow student.

The body was later found by authorities.  

The Wilmington News Journal reports that his parents have filed two lawsuits seeking $25 million.

They claim that Hipps was the victim of hazing.

The lawsuit claims that the congressman’s son Samuel Carney, who is a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity help put the run together.

It further says that they did not try to find Hipps nor find out about his condition after he fell from the bridge.

A statement issued by the congressman and his wife said that they felt great sympathy for the family and put their trust in the investigation being carried out by authorities.

Don Rush is the News Director at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.