Sentencings will close painful chapter for FSU, family of Andrew Coffey

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - The final two fraternity members accused of hazing in the death of Florida State University pledge Andrew Coffey will be sentenced Thursday afternoon.

The sentencing hearing marks the end of a long and painful chapter for FSU and the family of Andrew Coffey.

Coffey was found dead on a couch the morning after a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother” party in November 2017. An autopsy later revealed he died of alcohol poisoning with a blood-alcohol level more than five times the legal limit.

Nine fraternity members were arrested and charged with hazing in his death.

Luke Kluttz and Anthony Petagine are the final two fraternity members to be sentenced. The others have previously agreed to plea deals in the case.

Kluttz and Petagine entered a no-contest plea on May 28.

Andrew Coffey’s parents spoke at that hearing and spoke with WCTV afterward, hoping this sends a strong message about hazing.

“No more turning a blind eye,” Tom Coffey said. “No more hoping it won’t happen and no second chances. Hazing is a crime, it must stop.”

Kluttz and Petagine entered no-contest pleas to one count of felony hazing and one count of misdemeanor hazing.

The signed plea deals spell out the sentence Kluttz and Petagine will receive including spending 60 days in jail, taking a hazing awareness course and making a video taking responsibility for their actions.

The plea deal says adjudication will be withheld on the charges, meaning if the men successfully complete their sentences, they will not be considered by law to be “convicted felons.”

Kluttz and Petagine are expected to be sentenced in a Leon County courtroom at 3:30 p.m. Thursday.

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• Family of FSU pledge speaks out in wake of his death

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