Family of student in MU fraternity hazing case reaches more settlements

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The family of Daniel Santulli, a University of Missouri freshman left unable to communicate or walk after severe alcohol poisoning, has reached more settlements in its lawsuit against fraternity members.

And more settlements may be imminent.

The family has now reached agreements with eight of the 23 people they sued after Santulli was found with alcohol poisoning on the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity's "Pledge Dad Reveal Night." Santulli -- a pledge with the fraternity -- was forced to drink a bottle of vodka during the event, according to the lawsuit.

Santulli's parents allege in the lawsuit that no one checked on their son after he collapsed on a couch. Later, they drove him to the hospital instead of calling 911, the family says. His blood-alcohol was .468 -- more than five times the legal limit to drive.

The university and the fraternity's national chapter have withdrawn recognition of Phi Gamma Delta.

Santulli family lawyer David Bianchi last week asked a judge to approve settlements with five people named in the lawsuit -- Philip DiGasbarro, Samuel Morrison, Ryan Delanty, Jack O'Neill and Sean Moise. Bianchi previously asked for approval of settlements with Jeffrey Wagoner, Collin Clark and Chris Palermo.

In the latest motion for settlement approval, Bianchi wrote that Daniel Santulli has accumulated $1.6 million in medical bills. More motions to approve more settlements will be forthcoming, Bianchi said.

Settlement motions do not include financial terms.

A hearing in the case is set for Tuesday in Boone County.