VCU to host day of remembrance for freshman who died due to hazing

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- It's been nearly five years since 19-year-old freshman Adam Oakes died due to hazing at a Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) fraternity party. The university will honor him on Tuesday with a day of remembrance and a hazing prevention workshop.

The morning of Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021, Oakes was found dead after an off-campus party held by the VCU Chapter of the Delta Chi fraternity, which he was pledging to. It was determined he died as a result of alcohol poisoning following a hazing incident.

On Tuesday, Feb. 24, VCU will host "Adam's Day of Remembrance" at its University Student Commons -- located at 907 Floyd Ave. -- to commemorate the approaching fifth anniversary of Oakes' death.

As part of this day of remembrance, the university will offer a hazing prevention workshop, which will feature educational material about the dangers of hazing.

"VCU and the Oakes family are committed to fostering a safer and healthier community for all students," the university said in a Feb. 19 press release. "The Adam’s Day of Remembrance workshop is an important part of those efforts."

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Additionally, Oakes will be remembered during VCU's Homecoming basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 28. Per the university, his family will be introduced during said game.