PICKENS, S.C. ― The criminal investigation into the death of a Clemson University fraternity pledge remains at a standstill, despite a new witness account, a prosecutor said Friday.
News media outlets reported this week that the witness’s statement was contained in documents filed in a $25 million civil lawsuit. According to the reports, the witness said Tucker Hipps was forced to walk on a narrow bridge railing before falling to his death last September while pledging.
Solicitor Chrissy Adams released a statement Friday saying deputies have interviewed the witness. “Looking at this individual’s statement in relation to criminal charges being filed, there are multiple issues that arise,” she said.
Adams noted the witness waited a long time to come forward, didn’t know what day he saw students on the bridge and described the students “as having a good time which would indicate that there was no force or hazing involved.”
She added that, while the witness was unable to identify the students, he said they were wearing orange, one of the university colors. Hipps was wearing darker clothing at the time.
“Unless any other leads come into the Sheriff’s Office, the criminal investigation is at a standstill,” the solicitor said.
Hipps’ family has filed two lawsuits against the university, the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and three of its members, saying they are to blame for the death.
