Sebastian Serafin-Bazan, an 18-year-old at the University of Buffalo, is dead just days after suffering cardiac arrest. Buffalo Police Captain Jeff Rinaldo confirmed that the Westchester County native passed away on Wednesday, April 17, according to The Buffalo News.
Serafin-Bazan had been at Buffalo General Medical Center following a potential hazing incident at the Sigma Pi fraternity on campus.
Following the incident, the University of Buffalo suspended all Greek activities. The fraternities and sororities will be suspended until the start of the fall semester. A committee has been formed to review “the culture of Greek life at UB.
From the report:
The work to be undertaken by the Greek life review committee will include looking at educational strategies regarding the university’s “zero-tolerance policy” on hazing, as well as health and safety programs for fraternities and sororities, including anti-hazing and “Good Samaritan” policies.
After the news of Serafin-Bazan’s passing, University at Buffalo President Satish K. Tripathi issued a statement.
“Dear university community, I am deeply saddened to share with you that UB freshman Sebastian Serafin-Bazan passed away today. Our hearts go out to Sebastian’s family for the devastating heartbreak they are experiencing. We extend our sincerest condolences to the Serafin-Bazan family and to all of Sebastian’s friends here at UB and in his hometown of Port Chester, N.Y. We join them in mourning the tragic loss of a member of our UB family,” the statement read.
“If you are struggling, please know that our university counselors are here to provide you support in the aftermath of this terrible loss. As we grieve Sebastian’s passing today and well beyond, it is my hope that each of us pauses to remind ourselves that we can only uphold our humanity by treating each other with dignity, compassion and kindness.”
Our deepest condolences go out to Serafin-Bazan’s family and friends during this difficult time.