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Clemson Suspends All Activities for All 24 Fraternities Following Death of a Sigma Phi Epsilon Member

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Clemson University has suspended social activity for all 24 of its fraternities on campus following the death of a Sigma Phi Epsilon member that may not have been related to hazing.

According to the Associated Press, Clemson said the reason for suspending their fraternities' activities were multiple violations of the student conduct code. Tucker Hipps, 19, died earlier this week from a fall of more than 20 feet while on a morning run with other Sigma Phi Epsilon members.

The fraternity members were reportedly running before dawn Monday morning when Hipps fell behind the group. Other members noticed his absence during breakfast and reported him missing at 1:45 p.m. Clemson Police officers found Hipps' body at approximately 3:30 p.m.

Hipps apparently fell more than 20 feet from the Highway 93 bridge west of the school's campus and landed in shallow waters. Clemson announced in a statement that the school is offering grief counseling to anyone who needs.

"It is especially prudent to suspend fraternity activities given the tragic death of Tucker Hipps. There has been a high number of reports of serious incidents involving fraternity activities, ranging from alcohol-related medical emergencies to sexual misconduct," Gail DiSabatino, Clemson's vice president for student affairs, said in a statement. "These behaviors are unacceptable and mandate swift and effective action to protect students. There is no higher priority than the safety and welfare of our students."

Clemson spokesman John Gouch told the AP the suspension also serves to provide time for the school's fraternities to team up with other campus groups to ensure various safety practices are being enacted.

"We are cooperating and also conducting our own investigation," DiSabatino said in the statement. "We're terribly saddened by Tucker's death.

"It's always tragic when someone so young and promising is lost. Our hearts go out to his family and friends."

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