Nationwide — Savanna Jones, an 18-year-old African American freshman at Wilberforce University in Ohio, allegedly died after taking part in a hazing ritual on campus. Her family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit, claiming students forced her to drink a full bottle of liquor before leaving her without the medical care that could have saved her life.
According to WECT, Jones died on April 30 after participating in an initiation for a student social club known as the “Turtles” or “Turtle Club.” The alleged hazing took place in a dorm room at Henderson Hall during a ritual called “crossing.”
The complaint says new members had to drink an entire bottle of liquor while answering questions or riddles. Family attorney Rex Elliott said participants could not stop drinking, vomit, or become unable to continue if they wanted to be accepted into the club.
Before the initiation, Jones reportedly texted friends that she was going to “cross turtles” and admitted she was “lowkey scared.” The lawsuit says she quickly became severely intoxicated, vomited, and lost the ability to stand. Around 10:30 p.m., a photo allegedly showed her lying unconscious on a bed.
Rather than taking Jones to a hospital, the lawsuit claims students carried her back to her dorm room and left her there. “Savanna Jones had a very large amount of alcohol, and instead of taking her to a hospital and getting her immediate medical attention, they took her back to her dorm room and left her to die,” Elliott said.
The complaint also alleges that more than 10 students attended the initiation while resident assistants were present. It claims no resident assistant, residence life staff member, hall director, or campus safety officer intervened, despite the university’s dry-campus policy.
Elliott questioned why no one sought emergency medical help when Jones showed signs of severe alcohol poisoning. “When Savanna Jones was in deep trouble, and it was clear she was in deep trouble, what did people do? What took them so long? Why didn’t they take her immediately to the hospital? Maybe her life could’ve been saved,” he said.
The lawsuit names Wilberforce University, its director of housing and residence life, a student, and several unidentified defendants. It alleges violations of Ohio’s anti-hazing law, along with negligence and failures to properly supervise campus housing.
Jones’ family is seeking compensatory and punitive damages and has requested a jury trial. Wilberforce University declined to comment on the lawsuit. Elliott said the investigation is ongoing and that many questions about the incident remain unanswered.