COLLEGE STUDENT DEATH
UNDER INVESTIGATION

By Jon Mayhew

HICKORY -- The Catawba County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a Lenoir Rhyne University Student.

Harrison Kowiak, 19, was originally from Tampa, Fla., and died while participating in a fraternity initiation activity according to authorities.

Law enforcement said about 17 people were participating in the activity. Some of the witnesses' statements to authorkities were inconsistent concerning the exact nature of the particular event.

The group was participating in an activity described as similar to "capture the flag." Kowiak received a head injury during the activity, where he was transported to Frye Regional Medical Center. He was then airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte where he later died.

Authorities have talked to the District Attorney's office and are awaiting the results of the investigation before going to the DA for review. Meantime, an autopsy is being conducted by the medical examiner's office.

Lenoir Rhyne University administration and representatives of the specific fraternal group continue to cooperate with the Catawba County Sheriff's Office in the investigation.