Database detailing 187 years of hazing deaths now available 

Partnership between hazing research pioneer Hank Nuwer, HazingInfo, the University of Maine, and the University of Washington Information School brings to life the stories of those killed by hazing

At least 333 young people have lost their lives to hazing in the United States since 1838, with 122 recorded just since 2000, according to data in a new database co-developed by the University of Maine, HazingInfo.org, the University of Washington and an award-winning journalist. 

For the first time, hazing deaths data from the past 187 years is available through an interactive web feature that honors the memories of those killed and calls new attention to the consequences of hazing.

Award-winning journalist, author and investigator Hank Nuwer has spent 50 years researching and cataloging hazing deaths over time. In 2025, he formed a partnership with UMaine, the UW’s Information School (iSchool) and HazingInfo.org, the nation’s first comprehensive website of hazing incidents at U.S. colleges and universities.

They integrated Nuwer’s historical data into a new searchable database and built the web feature. This preserves the data and makes it searchable for students, families, journalists, researchers and others interested in the history of hazing.

“The hazing deaths database is invaluable as it illuminates the horrendous consequences of hazing for so many individuals, families, and communities,” said UMaine professor Elizabeth Allan, who leads the Hazing Prevention Research Lab in the UMaine College of Education and Human Development and is the founder of the research organization StopHazing.

“The secrecy and silence that often surround hazing are barriers to change. Making the tragedies more visible to the public is a necessary step toward prevention,” Allan said.

The data reveal that between 1838 and 2025, two hazing deaths have been reported each year, on average. Since 2000, five hazing deaths per year have been reported, on average. Ten is the highest number of hazing deaths recorded in a single year, occurring in 2002, 2012 and 2019.

Read the full news release at HazingInfo.org. 

Contact: Casey Kelly, casey.kelly@maine.edu