Student Dies After Fraternity Initiation

ITHACA, N.Y.--An 18-year old freshman at Ithaca College died April 2 after participating for two hours in running, push-ups and sit-ups that were part of a fraternity initiation.

Joseph P. Parrella, of the Bronx, died of hyperthermia or heatstroke, a spokesman for the Tompkins Country medical examiner's office said a day after the incident.

Edward P. Hall, chief criminal investigator for the country, said yesterday charges may be filed against officers of the fraternity, Delta Kappa.

Hall said he has completed a preliminary investigation of the incident and that the district attorney probably will decide next week whether to convene a grand jury in the case.

Parrella reportedly collapsed and lost consciousness during the indoor portion of the fraternity's initiation rites. Delta Kappa members called the campus police after an undetermined period of time, and campus police administered oxygen and called an ambulance.

Died in Hospital

Parrella's body temperature was still very high when he was admitted to the hospital and he died about an hour later.

Parrella's family has retained an attorney to represent the family's interests in the case, and his mother said, "I'm going to put a stop to fraternities in this country, if I have to travel to every college in the nation."