TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Miami attorney Justin Leto says the family of Harrison Kowiak is set to file a lawsuit over the 19-year-old's death during a fraternity pledge week.
Leto said Kowiak's family is convinced the freshman at North Carolina's Lenoir-Rhyne University was the victim of hazing and is prepared to sue the college, along with the fraternity and its members, The St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times said Wednesday.
"Theta Chi, its members and Lenoir-Rhyne University should take no solace in the fact that the district attorney elected not to file criminal charges in this case," Leto said in a statement. "We have conducted our own independent investigation in advance of a civil action, and the true facts of this hazing incident will be revealed at the appropriate time."
Kowiak collapsed on Nov. 17 in an off-campus pasture while taking part in a pledge-week activity held by Theta Chi.
A Catawba County Sheriff's Office investigation uncovered no criminal intent in the case, clearing all involved parties from charges, the Times reported.
