A potential new witness has come forward in the case of the 2014 death of a fraternity pledge student at Clemson University.
The Greenville News reported that the unnamed potential witness claimed to know what happened to 19-year-old Tucker Hipps in the moments before he died.
In court documents filed, the witness alleged that Hipps, who was pledging for Sigma Phi Epsilon, did not jump from a bridge to his death but was “forced” to balance on the structure’s railing by three fraternity brothers. Moreover, according to this potential witness, Hipps had a confrontation with one of the brothers earlier for not picking up breakfast.
Despite the new information it is not likely that any criminal charges will be filed, but it may affect lawsuits. Hipps’ family has filed suits against Clemson University, the fraternity and the three frat brothers.
Hipps’ mother, Cindy, welcomed the new information believing that it tells the true story of how her son really died.
"I've always believed it was hazing," she told WYFF News 4 on Thursday.
The defendants have said that the political science major died of his own negligence.
An autopsy found that Hipps’ had injuries to his limbs and his head; consistent with a headfirst fall.