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Brooklyn Student Dies After Possible Frat-Hazing Incident Upstate

Rebecca Fishbein

Published Feb 20, 2016

Modified Feb 20, 2016

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Rebecca Fishbein

Published Feb 20, 2016

Modified Feb 20, 2016

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A 21-year-old Buffalo State student from Brooklyn died this week and officials are trying to determine whether he suffered internal injuries from an earlier fraternity hazing incident.

Bradley D’Oyley, who hailed from Canarsie, suffered a mysterious illness about a month ago and succumbed to it at Buffalo General Medical Center on Thursday. Buffalo State College has since suspended their chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, a fraternity they believe may have given D'Oyley something to drink during a hazing incident that made him sick

D'Oyley, a popular former basketball player and business major, was expected to graduate this spring. “He called me from the hospital Jan. 29 to say he felt sick," his former coach, Fajri Ansari, told the Buffalo News. "He thought it might have been something bad he ate. He had a great spirit. We still considered him part of our family. He was a great teammate.”

It is unclear exactly what happened to D'Oyley, but rumors are swirling among members of the student body. “I was in the weight room and heard he was pledging and was made to drink some type of toxic substance," one acquaintance told the Buffalo News. "I keep hearing different stories. First it was detergent, then some said sewer water."

D’Oyley's parents, Lorna and Bradley Sr., immigrated from Jamaica and raised their seven children in Canarsie. Buffalo State put out a statement regarding his death:

With a heavy heart, I regret to inform you that Buffalo State College student Bradley D’Oyley passed away at Buffalo General Medical Center last night. He was a valued member of the Bengals men’s basketball team during his first two and a half years on campus and was well regarded by his peers, professors, and former coaches. His loss will undoubtedly be felt throughout our community. My heart goes out to his cherished family and friends. Please join me in keeping the D’Oyley family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

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Rebecca Fishbein

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