While this involved a student organization at Drury, it's important to note that hazing and binge drinking are problems at just about every university. With the problem often comes tragedy, including for this freshman, whose mother wants his name to remain unreported to protect his privacy.

"I was in St. Louis on vacation with the rest of my family, and we were at dinner, and my phone rings,” said Jamie Dummermuth, the student’s mother. “I answer it and they said, ‘This is university security; we need some information about your son.’”

Dummermuth describes her 18-year-old son as a straight-A, responsible kid from Camdenton, just three weeks into his first year at Drury. It’s a far cry from the way she found him.

"It looked like him, not awake,” she said. "You never want to see your child on a ventilator unresponsive."

A mother's concern then turned to questions of how her son consumed what doctors told her was three times the legal limit for a driver in Missouri.

"What we gathered was alcohol poisoning, and we realized it was due to Pledge Week,” said Dummermuth.

Dummermuth said, when her son told her he was planning to pledge one of Drury's fraternities, they both never thought an off-campus party would get out of control.

"At this point, we're still trying to figure out exactly what happened, what parties are involved,” said Drury Dean of Students Tijuana Julian.

But when they do, Dummermuth is not concerned with their punishment -- only that her son's story might cause others to be cautious.

"I just think he's inexperienced and naïve. He met with new people, he thought they were his friends, they said they'd always be there, they're his brothers, and then this happens, and this is not what a friend would do to you,” said Dummermuth, who has a different last name than her son.

The 18-year-old has made some improvements over the weekend. He is now breathing on his own, sitting up and talking to family, but there may be serious damage to his kidneys and liver. He told his mother that he doesn't remember much of what happened.

Drury staff spent Monday interviewing students to see who can fill in the gaps.