BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Sources tell 7 Eyewitness News 18-year-old Sebastian Serafin-Bazan, the University at Buffalo student involved in the possible hazing incident last week, has died.
BREAKING: The UB student involved in the possible hazing incident last week has died, a source tells me. @WKBW
— Hannah Buehler (@HannahBuehler) April 17, 2019
A source close to the investigation tells 7EWN police are investigating what role extreme exercise may have played in his death.
Police continue their investigation into the incident that occurred at a University at Buffalo Sigma Pi fraternity house on Custer Street in Buffalo, and say a number of students have been “interviewed.”
Sources say no drugs or alcohol were found in his system. 7EWN is told police are awaiting autopsy results which will be crucial in figuring out how Serafin-Bazan died. The autopsy was performed Thursday.
The UB Spectrum, a student run https://www.ubspectrum.com/article/2019/04/ub-student-dies-following-possible-sigma-pi-hazing-5cb7e965b83fe on the UB campus spoke with the roommate of Serafin-Bazan who described him as a quiet and dedicated student who had a Post-it note above his desk reading "GPA goal 4.0."
University at Buffalo President Satish K. Tripathi issued a statement regarding the matter Wednesday afternoon.
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. 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. Sincerely, Satish K. Tripathi President
Sigma Pi released a statement on Wednesday on Serafin-Bazan's death.
The entire Sigma Pi family is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Sebastian Serafin-Bazan. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Sebastian’s family and friends during this extremely difficult time. We remain in communication with the Buffalo Police Department and University officials, and have offered our support for their ongoing investigation. We will be initiating an internal investigation and review once the police have concluded their fact-finding.
The UB Student Association has released the following statement on the passing of Sebastian Serafin-Bazan. Support services are available for students.
Dear Fellow Students, Today we were informed that we lost a member of our UB Bulls Community. As we navigate these hard times, it is imperative that we keep Sebastian Serafin-Bazan, his family, and friends in our hearts. The entire Student Association team wishes to express our deepest condolences to the Serafin-Bazan family. Please remember that in dealing with loss, there is a huge amount of strain and emotion felt not just in individuals around campus but throughout the entire UB community. As a result, the University is offering counseling services as a resource for those seeking support. Immediate support services can be found in 210 Student Union on North Campus. Additionally, you can contact University Counseling Services at: 120 Richmond Quadrangle, North Campus Buffalo, NY 14261 Phone: (716) 645-2720; Fax (716) 645-2175 202 Michael Hall, South Campus Buffalo, NY 14214 Phone: (716) 829-5800 We ask that all students at the University at Buffalo remain respectful of Sebastian, his family, and friends during this most difficult of times. Across our campuses, we must always find ways to support one another and have each other's backs. Now more than ever, it is critical for each of us to stand together as the unified Buffalo community we know we are. With heavy hearts, Gunnar J. Haberl, President Anyssa Evelyn, Vice President Tanahiry Escamilla, Treasurer Eric Weinman, Senate Chair Mitchel Smigel, Assembly Speaker
This is a developing story, stay tuned for updates.
