On the night of October 19, 2021, what was supposed to be a celebratory milestone in Danny Santulli’s college experience quickly turned into a horrific tragedy. As a freshman at the University of Missouri, Danny had recently joined the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, a decision that would forever change the course of his life.
Danny Santulli suffered the ‘worst fraternity hazing injury ever’ according to the family’s solicitor. Credit: Santulli family handout
The “pledge dad reveal” was a highly anticipated tradition within the fraternity, where new pledges were introduced to their mentors, or “pledge dads.” But this ceremony soon took a dark and dangerous turn. Danny, along with other pledges, was led shirtless and blindfolded down a set of stairs, marking the beginning of a hazing ritual that would have devastating consequences.
As part of the tradition, Danny was handed a bottle of vodka, which was taped to his hands, and was instructed to finish it before the night was over. He also consumed beer in addition to the vodka.
As the night wore on, Danny became increasingly intoxicated, struggling to maintain his balance. Security camera footage from the fraternity house shows Danny losing his balance and collapsing around 11 PM. Instead of seeking immediate medical attention, fraternity members carried Danny to a nearby sofa, where he remained unconscious and deteriorating for over an hour.
Daniel Santuli was left blind, paralyzed, and unable to speak after suffering brain damage. Credit: Family handout
The chilling security footage captures the fraternity’s callous disregard for Danny’s well-being. At 12:30 AM, Danny’s limp body fell head-first off the sofa, yet it took members 15 minutes to lift him back up and check for a pulse. Rather than calling for emergency help, the members attempted to carry him out of the house, but in a tragic turn, they dropped him on his head on the tile floor before finally placing him in a car.
As Danny was being transported to the hospital, his condition rapidly worsened. He was found not to be breathing and in cardiac arrest, with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.486%—a staggering six times the legal limit for driving. According to medical experts, a BAC over 0.30% is considered life-threatening, and over 0.40% is potentially fatal.
Ryan Delanty was Santulli’s ‘pledge dad’ and was given six months in jail and a further six-month house arrest. Credit: Boone County Jail
Danny spent six weeks in the intensive care unit at the University of Missouri Hospital before being moved to a rehab hospital in Colorado. The injuries he sustained that night were catastrophic. He is now blind, paralyzed, and unable to speak, requiring lifelong care. According to his family’s attorney, Danny’s injuries are considered “the worst fraternity hazing injury ever in the United States.”
Court documents later revealed that Ryan Delanty, Danny’s “pledge dad” responsible for him that night, sent a chilling text message to a friend after Danny collapsed, stating, “My son is dead.” This message underscores the gravity of the situation and the reckless disregard for life that characterized the fraternity’s actions.
Danny’s parents, Tom and Mary Pat Santulli, are now on a mission to raise awareness about the dangers of fraternity hazing and to hold those responsible accountable. They believe that Danny survived the devastating brain damage for a reason—so that his story could serve as a powerful warning to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy.
In May, Ryan Delanty pleaded guilty to reduced misdemeanor charges of hazing and supplying alcohol to a minor. He was sentenced to six months in jail, followed by six months of house arrest. However, the legal battles didn’t end there. The Santulli family filed a civil lawsuit against the fraternity and 23 of its members, ultimately settling out of court for an undisclosed amount.
The public outcry following Danny’s case has been significant, with many calling for harsher penalties and stricter regulations on fraternities to prevent similar tragedies. Rob Caudill, Executive Director of Phi Gamma Delta, issued a statement expressing the fraternity’s remorse, but the damage had already been done.
Danny’s story is a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of hazing rituals. While some may view these traditions as harmless rites of passage, the reality is that they can lead to irreversible damage, both physically and emotionally. The culture of hazing not only endangers lives but also perpetuates a toxic environment that prioritizes conformity and peer pressure over individual well-being.
Santulli was seem collapsing onto a sofa in security footage from the frat house. Credit: KARE 1
As more stories like Danny’s come to light, there is a growing movement to reform or even abolish Greek life on college campuses. Universities are being urged to take a stronger stance against hazing, with many implementing zero-tolerance policies and stricter oversight of fraternities and sororities. However, lasting change will require a cultural shift within these organizations, where the value of human life is placed above all else.
The heartbreaking final moments of Danny Santulli’s life before he suffered a life-changing injury are a testament to the dangers of hazing and the urgent need for reform. While Danny’s family continues to fight for justice and raise awareness, his story serves as a powerful reminder that hazing has no place in our society. The pain and suffering endured by Danny and his loved ones are a stark warning to all—hazing must end before another life is lost.
