Phi Tau Chapter Suspended for Fire

Fraternity Suspends Nebraska Chapter After Fatal Fire

Nebraska Wesleyan's chapter of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity was suspended for four year's by its national organization following an investigation into a fatal fire where hazing was said to be involved.

The frat's national president said there wasn't any connection found between possible violations of its risk management policy and the fire, but its actions were significant enough to cause the brothers to have their chapter suspended.

The suspension comes about a week after brothers were indicted on arson and hazing charges. They were said to have been in possession of illegal fireworks at the time of the November fire and were said to have thrown them unlawfully.

The brothers were informed at what was said to be a very emotional meeting Tuesday night.

Phi Tau Brother Seen Playing With Fire Before Suspected Arson

Records: Man Seen Burning Paper Before Fatal-Frat House Fire

By Patrick W. Connelly
Co-Editor, The Frat Boy News

A student of Nebraska Weslyan University and brother of Phi Kappa Tau who has been charged with arson and connection in a fatal November fire is said to have been playing with fire earlier in the evening.

Brandon Lovegrove, a Phi Tau brother, and two other men were arrested Friday for the arson where court documents showed Lovegrove was seen by another fraternity brother lighting a calender on fire and throwing it down a hallway in their chapter house. One student was killed in the deadly fire that destroyed part of the house.

The three men were jailed last week on suspicion of attempted first-degree arson, hazing, illegal possession of fireworks and unlawful throwing of fireworks, a report said.

Police Charge 3 in Deadly 2006 Phi Kappa Tau Fire

3 Face Charges Related To Fatal Fraternity Fire
Wesleyan fraternity member arrested for attempted arson

Police have arrested three men they believe had a hand in a November 2006 fire at Nebraska Weslyan University's Phi Kappa Tau house.

Jed C. Tompkins, 22, and Lance N. Daharsh, 21, were charged on suspicion of hazing, while Brandon W. Lovegrove, 22, was put in jail on suspicion of attempted first-degree arson, hazing, illegal possession of fireworks and the unlawful throwing of fireworks.

It wasn't reported whether the three men arrested were brothers of Phi Kappa Tau.