06/24/2026
The family of Savanna Jones filed a lawsuit against Wilberforce University, claiming she died following a hazing ritual involving alcohol.
The wrongful death lawsuit names the university; Keigan Evans, director of housing and residence life; a student who reportedly initiated, led, participated in and encouraged the hazing; and up to 30 unnamed John and Jane Does.
Cooper Elliott Law Firm filed the lawsuit on behalf of Jones’ estate through her mother and administrator, Lareiva Jackson.
“Savanna Jones should be preparing for her sophomore year right now, not gone forever because a university failed to protect her,” read a statement from Attorney Rex Elliott on behalf of Jones’ family. “Hazing on Ohio college campuses is alive and well, even at schools like Wilberforce that advertise themselves as ‘dry’ to unsuspecting families.”
The lawsuit claims Jones died after a hazing ritual known as “Turtle crossing.” The Turtles is an alcohol-based organization.
“Students describe it as a social drinking club where members ‘can never deny a shot’ of liquor,” according to the complaint.
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