College is supposed to be a time of growth, learning, and forming lifelong friendships. But for Daniel Santulli, a freshman at the University of Missouri, this promise was shattered by a horrific hazing incident. In October 2021, Daniel’s life changed forever when he was pressured into a dangerous fraternity ritual. This nightmare left him blind, unable to walk or speak, and needing constant care. Daniel’s story isn’t just a cautionary tale—it’s a wake-up call about the real dangers of hazing. This article explores Daniel’s ordeal and his family’s fight for justice, aiming to shed light on the dark reality behind these so-called traditions.
The Night That Changed Everything
Daniel Santulli’s college experience took a tragic turn on the night of October 19, 2021. Like many freshmen, Daniel was excited to join a fraternity and build connections with his peers. He chose to pledge Phi Gamma Delta at the University of Missouri, unaware that the initiation process would nearly cost him his life. The night started with what seemed like a typical fraternity event. Daniel and several other pledges were blindfolded and led to the basement of the fraternity house. What followed was a series of reckless and dangerous activities disguised as brotherhood rituals. Surveillance footage from that night reveals the harrowing sequence of events. Fraternity members forced Daniel to consume an entire bottle of vodka, then proceeded to pour beer down his throat using a funnel and tube. The excessive alcohol consumption quickly took its toll on Daniel’s body. By the time he was found in a car outside the fraternity house, Daniel was in cardiac arrest and suffering from severe alcohol poisoning. His lips had turned blue—a clear sign of oxygen deprivation—and he was unresponsive. Despite the obvious danger, no one had called 911 until it was almost too late. Daniel was rushed to University Hospital, where doctors had to restart his heart. Though they managed to save his life, the damage was irreversible. Daniel was left with severe brain damage, rendering him blind and unable to speak or walk. The carefree college experience he had envisioned was replaced by a lifelong struggle for basic functions and constant care from his devastated family.
Living with the Consequences
The aftermath of the hazing incident left Daniel Santulli and his family in a state of shock and despair. The once vibrant and active 19-year-old was now confined to a wheelchair, unable to see, speak, or walk. His family’s life was turned upside down as they adapted to their new reality, providing Daniel with round-the-clock care and facing mounting medical bills that exceeded $2 million. Daniel’s mother, Mary Pat Santulli, took on the role of his full-time caregiver. She described the emotional and physical toll of caring for her son, who could no longer perform even the simplest tasks independently. “He’s still not talking or walking. He’s in a wheelchair. He lost his vision. But he hears us, and he knows we’re there,” Mary Pat shared, her voice filled with a mixture of hope and heartbreak. The emotional impact on the family was profound. Daniel’s brother, Nick Santulli, recalled the gut-wrenching moment he saw Daniel in the ICU. “I saw Danny in the medical ICU at the hospital at Mizzou. And it’s just — it’s just a bunch of tubes everywhere. And that’s an image that will probably never leave my head,” he said, highlighting the lasting trauma of witnessing his brother in such a vulnerable state. The financial burden added another layer of stress. The cost of Daniel’s ongoing care, coupled with the necessary modifications to their home to accommodate his needs, placed a significant strain on the family’s resources. Despite these challenges, the Santulli family remained resolute in their fight for justice and awareness. They were determined to ensure that Daniel’s story would serve as a powerful reminder of the dangers of hazing and the need for stricter enforcement of anti-hazing laws.
Demanding Justice
The hazing incident that left Daniel Santulli with life-altering injuries sparked a wave of legal actions and public outcry. As details of the incident emerged, it became clear that accountability was necessary to prevent such tragedies from recurring. In the wake of the incident, the University of Missouri and local authorities launched investigations into the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity’s activities. Surveillance footage and witness testimonies painted a grim picture of the fraternity’s hazing practices, leading to charges against several fraternity members. Two students, Ryan Delanty and Thomas Shultz, were charged with supplying liquor to a minor and misdemeanor hazing. Delanty, who played a significant role in the night’s events, pleaded guilty and faced a recommended sentence of six months in jail followed by six months of house arrest. Shultz received a lighter sentence of 30 days in jail, two years of probation, community service, and a mandatory drug and alcohol education program. The legal proceedings highlighted the broader issue of hazing in college fraternities and sororities. While fifteen states in the US have made hazing a potential felony offense, the practice persists, often under the guise of tradition and brotherhood. The Santulli family’s attorney, David Bianchi, emphasized the need for harsher penalties and stricter enforcement of anti-hazing laws. He argued that educational institutions must take greater responsibility in preventing hazing and protecting their students. Daniel’s father, Tom Santulli, expressed his frustration with the leniency of the sentences, pointing out the severity of his son’s injuries and the lifelong impact on their family. “Oh, 100 percent,” Tom said when asked if he believed Daniel was hazed. The family’s pursuit of justice was not only for Daniel but also for the countless other students who might face similar dangers.
A Family’s Fight for Change
In the wake of Daniel Santulli’s tragic experience, his family has made it their mission to raise awareness about the severe risks associated with hazing. Consequently, they have become vocal advocates, sharing Daniel’s story through various media platforms to highlight the physical and emotional toll hazing can take on individuals and their families. Specifically, Mary Pat Santulli, Daniel’s mother, has spoken passionately about the need for cultural change within college organizations, urging fraternities and sororities to prioritize the well-being of their members over dangerous traditions. As a result of their advocacy efforts, conversations have been spurred about the importance of implementing and enforcing stricter anti-hazing policies. They emphasize that colleges and universities must take a proactive stance in monitoring and regulating Greek life activities. This includes mandatory education programs for students about the dangers of hazing and clear, enforceable consequences for those who participate in or condone such practices. By pushing for these changes, the Santulli family hopes to create a safer environment for future students and prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak. Furthermore, the Santulli family’s efforts extend beyond just legal and institutional changes. They advocate for a cultural shift that encourages students to stand up against hazing and support one another in creating safe and inclusive communities. By fostering open dialogues about the dangers of hazing and promoting a culture of care and responsibility, they aim to make a lasting impact. Their message is clear: hazing has no place in college life, and it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
Recognize the Signs of Hazing
The tragic story of Daniel Santulli highlights the urgent need to combat hazing. Recognizing the signs of hazing, such as unexplained injuries, exhaustion, and behavioral changes, is crucial. Educational programs that explain the physical and mental dangers of hazing, as well as the legal repercussions, can help maintain awareness and prevent incidents. Strict enforcement of zero-tolerance anti-hazing policies is essential. Colleges must conduct regular checks to ensure compliance and take swift disciplinary action against violators. Collaborating with local law enforcement can ensure that hazing incidents are handled appropriately. Providing support systems for hazing victims, including mental health services and medical care, is vital for their recovery. Promoting positive, non-hazing activities within fraternities and sororities, such as community service projects and academic support groups, can help build a healthier community. By focusing on constructive activities, fraternities and sororities can create stronger, safer environments for all students.
A Call to End Hazing
Daniel Santulli’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact hazing can have. Once a vibrant and active college freshman, Daniel now faces a lifetime of challenges due to a senseless and dangerous fraternity ritual. His family’s pain and resilience underscore the urgent need for change. Hazing is not just a harmless tradition; it’s a dangerous practice that can lead to severe and lasting consequences. The Santulli family’s fight for justice and awareness serves as a powerful call to action. Colleges and universities must take stronger measures to prevent hazing, enforce strict policies, and support victims. By sharing Daniel’s story, we hope to shed light on the real dangers of hazing and inspire others to take a stand against it. It’s time to create safer, more supportive environments for all students, ensuring that no other family has to endure the pain and suffering that the Santullis have experienced. Together, we can work towards eliminating hazing and fostering a culture of respect and safety on college campuses.