A 19-year-old was reportedly hospitalized in Glynn County, Georgia, on March 21 after an alleged hazing incident. Trenton Lehrkamp was dropped off at the hospital barely conscious after reportedly being forced to consume alcohol and other substances, according to a news release issued by police, per the Daily Caller. Several social media posts were shared showing Lehrkamp passed out and surrounded by others, and police confirmed it was Lehrkamp in the photos and video, according to the Daily Caller.
Since that night, Lehrkamp has reportedly dealt with lung infections, fevers, and has even had to rely on a ventilator in the ICU, according to an updated GoFundMe post.
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Police are looking for answers surrounding the alleged ‘hazing incident.'
A news release from the Glynn County Police Department noted that three juveniles dropped off Lehrkamp at the emergency room and left before police arrived. On March 22, police also conducted a search at a home on St. Simons Island, according to the news release.
“Numerous items of evidence were collected and recorded related to this investigation,” the news release stated. Lehrkamp was interviewed by police on March 26, and police are asking the public to come forward with any information concerning the incident.
The investigation is ongoing, per the Daily Caller.
A school representative responded to the incident.
Brittany Dozier, a representative for Glynn County Schools, released a statement on Facebook responding about what happened. Dozier said school officials were aware of the off-campus incident involving former and current students.
“At this time, the Glynn County Police Department is actively investigating this matter, and we are cooperating," Dozier noted in the Facebook post. "Please know that we take very seriously all concerns regarding the safety and wellbeing of our students, both on and off campus.”
Hazing is a significant issue.
Sadly, Lehrkamp is not the only victim of hazing. Research conducted at the University of Maine in 2008 reported 47% of students coming to college had experienced hazing. Additionally, 55% who participated in teams, organizations and clubs experienced hazing, per to Hazing Prevention Network.
The behavior associated with hazing typically involves alcohol consumption and humiliation but also can include sex acts, sleep deprivation, and isolation, according to Hazing Prevention Network.
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A GoFundMe account has been created to help the teenager with recovery.
Erika Keller organized a fundraiser for the teenager, and so far more than $70,000 has been raised to help Lehrkamp and his family with the cost of his recovery.
As the GoFundMe post reads, “I’m sharing this to help support Trent’s family and the medical bills that will likely cripple them as a result of the tragic events that happened to Trent. I’m also sharing this to help bring awareness to the situation, as it has now been five days and still little has been done to bring justice for Trent and his family.”
The teen’s family shared an update March 26. “The anguish he suffered, it’s sure to be a long recovery … emotionally and mentally as well. He is stable, but still in the icu recovering and fighting through some lung infection from the aspiration," the page reads. "He is still lightly sedated as he is very panicked and anxious when awake. Trent has been transitioned out of the ICU. He will now begin the next stages of his care and treatment. Please continue to pray for Trent as this part of the journey begins."
