On the night of October 19, 2021, the life of 19-year-old Santulli took a drastic turn during a “pledge dad reveal night” hosted by Phi Gamma Delta, known colloquially as Fiji. There, Santulli drank a dangerously high amount of alcohol, with a bottle of vodka taped to his hand, blindfolded and shirtless.
The intense alcohol intake led to Santulli reaching a blood alcohol content of 0.486%, a level six times the legal driving limit. They found the young student in a state of cardiac arrest, prompting urgent medical attention.
Following the event, doctors rushed Santulli to the University of Missouri Hospital, where he received treatment in the intensive care unit for six weeks due to severe alcohol poisoning and subsequent brain injuries.
Recovery and Life-Long Implications
Afterward, doctors transferred Santulli to a specialized rehabilitation hospital in Colorado, where he grappled with disabilities that left him unable to see, speak, or walk. These conditions necessitate ongoing, life-long care.
Mary Pat Santulli, Danny's mother, commented on the toll the fraternity's activities had taken on her son, indicating prior physical and financial strain. She encouraged him to prioritize his well-being over fraternity commitments.
The impact of the incident extended beyond the immediate health ramifications, sparking a wider discussion and protests concerning fraternity practices.
Campus Community and Legal Actions
On October 20, 2021, the day following the incident, a demonstration erupted outside the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house, condemning not only the hazing but also addressing issues related to sexual assault associated with fraternity culture.
Subsequently, the fraternity faced a lawsuit which concluded in 2022, involving settlements with the Santulli family. Additionally, several members of the fraternity faced charges and were sentenced for providing alcohol to a minor.
The scrutiny did not cease with the court cases; it led to the eventual closure of the chapter after revealing a pattern of misconduct, including multiple violations related to alcohol and hazing since 2017.
Reflecting On a Tragic Night
Tom Santulli, Danny’s father, after viewing the footage of that fateful night, expressed a resolute desire to witness the conditions his son endured, which reinforced his determination to seek accountability.
Tom articulated, “Now we’re focused – now we’re on a mission, and we’re going to hold people accountable for what happened that evening,” signaling a shift towards advocacy and prevention of such incidents in the future.
Danny's ongoing recovery shows small improvements, but he remains dependent on around-the-clock care, illustrating the profound and lasting effects of that night.
Broader Implications for Greek Life
The "Houses of Horror: Secrets of College Greek Life" segment in A&E’s true-crime series, which includes interviews with former fraternity members and experts, ultimately casts a harsh light on such disturbing traditions prevalent in various fraternities and sororities.
In response, Rob Caudill, executive director of Phi Gamma Delta, emphasized that no fraternity member should endure the ordeal Danny experienced, while advocating for accountability and admitting the chapter's subsequent closure was necessary.
As a result, as the community reflects on these events, the broader implications resonate, emphasizing the need for significant reform in fraternity and sorority practices nationwide.
Educating and Preventing Future Hazards
Mary Pat Santulli advocates for parental awareness and proactive communication, urging families to stay informed about the histories of Greek life organizations.
She advised, "People need to be educated, and we need to talk to our kids. [Parents] should do their research and find out if any of these sororities or fraternities have had past violations and what their record is,” highlighting the essential role of education in prevention.
The narrative of Danny Santulli serves as a somber warning of the risks associated with college Greek life, pushing for a reevaluation of its cultures and traditions.
In conclusion, the incident involving Daniel Santulli at the University of Missouri is not an isolated event but a dramatic manifestation of the dangerous practices that prevail in fraternity cultures. It underlines the urgent need for systemic changes and increased awareness to safeguard future generations of students and fundamentally shift the entrenched traditions of Greek life.
