Cindy Hipps, mother of Tucker Hipps, talks to Brookland-Cayce High School about hazing risk

West Columbia, SC 10/21/2022 - Cindy Hipps, mother of Tucker Hipps, appeared at Brookland-Cayce High School on Wednesday to talk with students about the dangers of fraternity hazing, her son’s legacy, and measures being taken to prevent more hazing related deaths and injuries. One step that has been implimented is the Tucker Hipps Transparency Act. This law requires all of the state’s public universities to report conduct investigations of student organizations.

Tucker Hipps died in 2014 during a pledge run with the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at Clemson University, his mother told students Wednesday. The family is still seeking full details on events surrounding Tucker’s death.

After the presentation, Brookland-Cayce student government president Parker Mergo (shown here in a selfie with Cindy Hipps and students) announced a donation to the Tucker Hipps Foundation, started by parents Gary and Cindy Hipps, to support charities that align with Tucker’s interests, as well as organizations that help the underprivileged.

PHOTO CAPTION: Cindy Hipps posing for a selfie with Parker Mergo, president of the BC Student Government.