Clemson University issues statement as part of settlement with Tucker Hipps’ family

CLEMSON — Clemson University issued a statement on Thursday relating to its commitment to improve the experience regarding fraternities on campus.

The statement is part of a settlement agreement between the parents of Tucker Hipps and Clemson University, according to The Greenville News.

Hipps was a sophomore at the school when he was found dead hours after he went on a fraternity pledge run with more than two dozen members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, the paper reported. His parents have said they believe 19-year-old Hipps was the victim of hazing.

As part of the lawsuit, which was settled earlier this month, the university had to pay Hipps’ parents, Cindy and Gary $250,000, according to WYFF. Clemson is also required to fund a $50,000 endowment that will be slotted for a Palmetto Boys State student to attend Clemson.

The university also has to dedicate a pew in the Cadden Chapel in Hipps' memory and work with his family on creating a Tucker Hipps Memorial Golf Tournament, Fox Carolina reported.

Part of the statement reads as follows:

“On September 22, 2014, Cindy and Gary Hipps, and the Clemson University community, tragically lost a son, a friend, and a lifelong Tiger, Tucker Hipps. Tucker was a talented and much loved young man known for his leadership skills and his warm and friendly nature, which allowed him to easily make friends wherever he went.”

Read the rest here.

This story was originally published August 17, 2017 at 1:21 PM with the headline "Clemson University issues statement as part of settlement with Tucker Hipps’ family."