A state district judge has reversed a $16.2 million judgment against a fraternity sued by the parents of a pledge who died in an alleged alcohol-related hazing incident at the University of Texas.
The Austin American-Statesman reports Judge John Dietz ordered a new trial in the case against Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
The parents of freshman Tyler Cross sued the fraternity's local chapter and national organization after their son fell from the fifth floor of his dorm two years ago.
Dietz issued the judgment against the fraternity after the national and local branches of the organization failed to respond to the lawsuit.
Fraternity attorney Jim Ewbank issued a statement saying Sigma Alpha Epsilon presented evidence showing their failure to answer the lawsuit was an accident. Ewbank also said there are meritorious defenses to the family's claim.
Investigators said Cross and other pledges were given half-gallon bottles of liquor to drink. An autopsy report showed Cross had a blood alcohol level of more than twice the legal limit of .08.
