‘Max Gruver Act’ to strengthen penalties for hazing ‘will save lives,’ his parents say in emotional testimony 

‘Max Gruver Act’ to strengthen penalties for hazing ‘will save lives,’ his parents say in emotional testimony 

by katiegagliano
Gruver family -- Bill Feig
In the House Criminal Justice Committee, as Stephen Gruver watches, left, Rae Ann Gruver wipes a tear from her eye while testifying on HB78 by Rep. Nancy Landry, R-Lafayette, right, which is a bill to increase criminal penalties for hazing related to the death of Max Gruver at LSU Wednesday, March 21, 2018, in Baton Rouge, La. Max Gruver’s photo is in front of the trio. (Bill Feig/The Advocate)

The Advocate | March 21, 2018

Story written with Elizabeth Crisp. LSU freshman Max Gruver died Sep. 14 of acute alcohol intoxication and aspiration following a night of hazing at the Phi Delta Theta fraternity house. Gruver’s parents, Stephen and Rae Ann, testified on behalf of a bill by Rep. Nancy Landry to make hazing a felony offense in Louisiana if a victim dies or suffers serious bodily injury.