Wilberforce University freshman dies after alleged hazing ritual, lawsuit says

WILBERFORCE, Ohio — The family of 18‑year‑old Savanna Jones has filed a wrongful‑death lawsuit against Wilberforce University after her death following an alleged hazing ritual.

The lawsuit says Jones died after an initiation that forced her to drink an entire bottle of liquor. It accuses students and university staff of ignoring clear signs of danger and violating campus safety rules.

Savanna Jones Death During Alleged Hazing at Wilberforce University

Jones, a first‑year student and marching band member, was found dead on April 30. Court filings say she had taken part in a “Turtle Club” ritual known as crossing. The initiation allegedly required students to finish a full bottle of liquor while answering riddles. Participants risked losing membership if they vomited or stopped drinking.

The complaint alleges Jones texted friends that she was going to “cross turtles” and that she was “lowkey scared.”

Wilberforce Hazing Lawsuit Describes Rapid Decline Before Death

Court filings say Jones became “visibly and dangerously intoxicated,” vomited and could not stand. A photo circulated around 10:30 p.m. reportedly showed her unconscious. Instead of receiving medical care, she was carried back to her dorm room in Henderson Hall, where she later died.

The lawsuit alleges the ritual occurred inside the residence hall with resident assistants present, despite Wilberforce’s dry‑campus and anti‑hazing rules.

University, Staff and Students Named in Suit

The complaint names Wilberforce University, its housing director, a student accused of leading the ritual and 30 unidentified individuals. It argues that the university failed to enforce safety policies and allowed a dangerous culture to continue.

“Had Wilberforce actively enforced its policies and reasonably supervised its residential spaces, Turtle crossings and hazing-related activities would never have occurred in a campus dorm. And Savanna Jones would never have died,” the lawsuit stated.

Hazing Concerns Grow Across HBCUs and U.S. Campuses

Jones’ death adds to a series of hazing‑related cases involving colleges and universities nationwide. According to the Hazing Prevention Network, 47% of students come to college having experienced hazing.

Advocates say the incidents show the need for stronger enforcement, clearer reporting systems and better oversight of student organizations.

The lawsuit argues that Jones’ death was preventable and that Wilberforce ignored warning signs about the “Turtle Club” and its initiation practices.

Wilberforce University is a private historically Black university located in Ohio.