Missouri student, who suffered the 'worst fraternity hazing injury ever,' is 'alive for a reason': parents.

On Oct. 19, 2021, a University of Missouri freshman named Daniel "Danny" Santulli was blindfolded and shirtless and forced to drink a bottle of vodka taped to his hand at a fraternity pledge event. As a result, he became unable to see, walk, or speak.

The case of a 19-year-old who suffered brain damage from severe alcohol poisoning is being explored in the new true-crime docuseries, "Houses of Horror: Secrets of College Greek Life."

The program explores the potential risks and negative impacts that Greek organizations can have, including deadly consequences. It includes interviews with former fraternity and sorority members, family members, law enforcement, and other experts.

The Santulli family has disclosed their son's life-altering injuries and the peer pressure they claim he experienced prior to the incident.

"Before the event, Danny Santulli was extremely sleep-deprived, according to his mother, Mary Pat Santulli, who shared this information with Planet Chronicle Digital. At that time, the fraternity was draining his account, leaving him feeling drained. After speaking with her, Danny realized he didn't have to endure this and could quit if it was best for him."

"The matriarch pondered, "He was quiet about it, and then two days later, this happened. I couldn't believe what took place that night.""

In the episode, Meredith was the one who Santulli confided in about his struggles with recruiting Phi Gamma Delta and his declining grades.

An older member instructed him to climb inside a trash can filled with broken glass, resulting in his hospitalization.

During the event that would significantly affect his family, Santulli was participating in a ceremony known as "pledge dad reveal night." According to the show, Santulli was compelled to consume hard liquor and then beer as part of the ritual.

At 10:59 p.m., Santulli, who was heavily intoxicated, lost his balance and fell backwards. He hit his head on a tile floor. Fraternity members then carried him to a nearby sofa.

At 12:30 a.m., Santulli's limp body was found on the floor near the sofa and was not put back until 15 minutes later. Video footage showed members of the fraternity dropping him. He was then taken to the hospital in a car driven by fraternity members.

Authorities reported that Santulli was discovered in a cardiac arrest and not breathing inside the vehicle. His blood alcohol content was found to be 0.486%, which is six times the legal limit.

Tom Santulli, Santulli's father, shared with Planet Chronicle Digital the significance of viewing the distressing footage personally.

"Tom explained that he wanted to see what happened to his son despite being warned against it. He was shocked but ultimately glad he witnessed the abuse."

The patriarch stated, "Now we're focused and on a mission to hold people accountable for the events of that evening."

Santulli remained at the University of Missouri Hospital's intensive care unit for six weeks before being transferred to a rehabilitation hospital in Colorado. Doctors have stated that he will require ongoing care due to the incident. His family's attorney described him as a victim of "the most severe fraternity hazing injury in the United States."

""Because other kids were not as fortunate during the hazing incident, I believe Danny is still alive," Tom stated."

"Mary Pat stated, 'This is real and it's happening to other students. If fraternities and sororities continue, people need to be educated and we need to talk to our kids. Parents must research and find out if any of these organizations have past violations and what their records are.'"

David Bianchi, an attorney who specializes in hazing litigation and represents the Santulli family, stated that the student's injury was not an isolated incident.

He stated that these actions are part of a pattern of unsafe and dangerous behavior that reflects the fraternity's traditions.

According to university records, Phi Gamma Delta, or Fiji, had eight violations of alcohol distribution and hazing policies in Missouri from 2017 to the present. The chapter was shut down after Santulli's hospitalization.

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Despite the resident's progress, the pain persists for the family.

"Tom explained that Danny requires constant care, and my wife and I are the primary caregivers. We also have nurses and caregivers who specialize in speech, occupational, and physical therapy. We also have appointments scheduled for Danny."

"From the accident in 2021 to now, he has made strides," Tom shared. "I’m not saying it’s significant, but he has improved."

In 2022, a civil lawsuit was filed against the fraternity and 23 of its members by loved ones of Santulli, who is still alive. The lawsuit was settled for an unspecified amount.

In May, Ryan P. Delanty of Manchester, Missouri, pleaded guilty to providing liquor to a minor and misdemeanor hazing, as reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Santulli's "pledge dad" was sentenced to six months in jail and six months on house arrest, according to KRCGTV.

Thomas Shultz, a fraternity member from Chesterfield, Missouri, was previously convicted of providing alcohol to a minor. He was given a 30-day jail sentence, two years of probation, and required to complete community service and a drug and alcohol education program.

According to KRCG, Alec Wetzler pleaded guilty to charges of providing liquor to a minor or intoxicated person and attempting to purchase or possess liquor by a minor. Court records revealed that Wetzler was given an 180-day jail sentence, two years of unsupervised probation, and a $500 fine.

Columbia Daily Tribune reported that 13 former fraternity members were disciplined by the university. No immediate response was received from a spokesperson when Planet Chronicle Digital requested comment.

Rob Caudill, Executive Director of Phi Gamma Delta, stated that their thoughts and prayers remain with Danny and the Santulli family.

Caudill stated that Danny should not have been placed in that situation because the International Fraternity prohibits hazing and providing alcohol to minors, and all members are expected to adhere to the law and policies.

"The International Fraternity promptly ceased all activities of the chapter and closed it down after it was discovered that someone was responsible for the conduct that led to the consequences."

As the school year approaches, Santulli's family is committed to alerting other parents. Mary Pat advised that students considering Greek life should delay their decision and engage with other members before making any commitments.

"She stated that it is challenging to reexperience everything and discuss it, but she believes it is crucial to inform others about the occurrences in Greek life. Hazing is a reality, and they aim to raise awareness to prevent another family from experiencing this tragedy."

The episode "Bingeing to Belong" from "Houses of Horror" can be streamed on Mondays at 9 p.m. This report was contributed to by Charles Creitz, Adam Sabes, and The Associated Press from Planet Chronicle Digital.