Parents Who Lost Children to College Hazing Share Their Journey in New Documentary
Parents who lost children to college – For over a decade, parents who mourn the loss of their children in college hazing incidents have dedicated themselves to transforming their grief into advocacy. A new documentary titled 4000 Days offers a poignant look at their relentless efforts to secure federal protections against hazing, bringing their personal stories to the forefront of a growing national conversation. The film, set to debut at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival on June 10, highlights the struggles of three families whose tragedies catalyzed legislative change.
A Story of Loss and Transformation
The title of the documentary, 4000 Days, symbolizes the prolonged battle it took to pass the bipartisan Stop Campus Hazing Act. The film’s synopsis describes it as “a testament to love, resilience, and the power of ordinary people to turn sorrow into meaningful impact.” This narrative underscores the emotional and political journey of the families, who not only seek justice for their loved ones but also aim to prevent future suffering. Their story is a blend of personal anguish and collective determination, revealing the systemic failures they encountered and the victories they eventually achieved.
“It’s not just about remembering our son; it’s about ensuring others don’t have to face the same pain,” said Julie DeVercelly, one of the families featured in the film.
The DeVercelly Family’s Fight for Change
Among the families spotlighted in the documentary are Gary and Julie DeVercelly, whose son Gary Jr. died in 2007 while pledging a fraternity at Rider University. Since that day, they have tirelessly campaigned for federal hazing laws, visiting Capitol Hill repeatedly to advocate for transparency and accountability. Their advocacy extended beyond national borders, as they also supported state-level reforms, including California’s AB 299 in 2023.
AB 299 aimed to allow families of hazing victims to sue colleges civilly if institutions were aware of or should have been aware of dangerous practices. Though the bill was initially vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom, a revised version ultimately passed, marking a significant step forward. The DeVercellys emphasize that their relentless efforts, despite the emotional toll, were driven by the hope of preventing other families from enduring similar heartbreak. “Telling Gary’s story is painful, but it’s a sacrifice we made to protect others,” Gary DeVercelly shared.
“When I think of Gary, I can’t help but picture his smile—how it used to light up the room. He was gentle, loving, and full of life,” Julie DeVercelly reflected.
From Grief to Advocacy: The Director’s Perspective
Daniel E. Catullo III, the film’s director, first became involved in hazing stories by chance. A seasoned music documentary filmmaker, he shifted focus after a fraternity death at his alma mater, West Virginia University, in 2014. That incident led to the creation of an Emmy-winning documentary about Nolan Burch, a student who perished during an alleged hazing event. The project unexpectedly transformed Catullo into a key figure in the fight against campus hazing.
As Catullo documented the families’ struggles, he observed the immense resistance they faced. “The parents were fighting for something simple—transparency,” he noted. “But the system was broken, and they had to push harder than anyone imagined.” He credits their persistence for the eventual legislative success, stating, “These families weren’t going anywhere. They kept coming back, no matter how long it took.”
Voices of Grief and Hope
The documentary also features the stories of other grieving parents, including Eric and Linda Oakes, whose son Adam died from hazing at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021, and TJ and Kim Burch, whose son Nolan was a victim of the same practice in 2014. Together, these families have established foundations to educate students and institutions about the risks of hazing. Their collective efforts are portrayed as both a tribute to their lost children and a call to action for a safer college environment.
“People need to see what real heroes they are,” Catullo said of the families in his film. “Their courage has changed the way we think about campus safety.”
Each family’s journey is unique, yet they share a common thread: the desire to leave a legacy of awareness. The Oakes family, for instance, has worked to highlight the dangers of hazing through educational programs, while the Burch family’s efforts were instrumental in the creation of the documentary that inspired Catullo’s work. Their stories are interwoven with footage of hazing incidents, including a viral bodycam video that captures dozens of students blindfolded in a basement during an alleged hazing event. This footage, along with others, serves as a powerful visual reminder of the risks hidden within college rituals.
The Road to Federal Legislation
Passing the Stop Campus Hazing Act required years of lobbying and public outreach. The DeVercellys, along with other advocates, had to navigate political landscapes, raise awareness, and build coalitions. The documentary delves into the challenges they encountered, from bureaucratic delays to skepticism about the necessity of federal intervention. Yet, their perseverance paid off, as the legislation now mandates that colleges take proactive steps to prevent hazing-related harm.
Julie DeVercelly expressed optimism about the film’s potential to reshape public perception. “I believe the world will see how much these families have endured,” she said. “It’s just the beginning of a larger movement.” The documentary also includes personal reflections from the families, such as the emotional weight of reliving their loss while pushing for reform. “Every time we share Gary’s story, it feels like reopening a wound,” Gary DeVercelly admitted. “But it’s worth it if it means someone else won’t have to go through that pain.”
A Legacy of Education and Awareness
With the Stop Campus Hazing Act now in effect, the families in the film hope to inspire broader change. They envision a future where colleges prioritize student well-being and where hazing is recognized as a preventable tragedy. The documentary’s release coincides with a pivotal moment in the movement, offering a platform to educate audiences about the dangers of hazing and the importance of transparency in campus operations.
As the film prepares to premiere, its creators are eager to spark dialogue and action. The story of the DeVercellys and their fellow advocates serves as a reminder of the power of personal experience in driving systemic reform. Through their perseverance, they have transformed grief into a catalyst for change, ensuring that the lessons of their loss are not forgotten. The journey of 4000 Days is not just about the past; it’s a beacon of hope for the future of college safety.
For more information on the documentary and its impact, visit the Tribeca Film Festival website or explore ongoing discussions about college hazing in the media. The film’s release marks a significant chapter in the fight for student safety, proving that even in the face of adversity, love and determination can lead to lasting change.
