Cause of Death Revealed for Ohio HBCU Student at Center of Alleged Hazing Lawsuit

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October 7, 2026

Alecia Taylor, CapitalB

The lawyer for the family of Wilberforce University student Savanna Jones said the report “confirms what we have said all along.”

The death of Wilberforce University freshman Savanna Jones in April has resulted in lawsuits being filed against the university, the university’s resident director, and several unnamed students. (Courtesy of the Jones family)

An Ohio coroner has revealed the cause of death for Savanna Jones nearly five months after the Wilberforce University freshman’s body was discovered in her dorm room.

Released Sept. 28, the Greene County coroner’s report said Jones, who died in April, passed from acute ventricular dysrhythmia and acute alcohol intoxication, the Jones’ estate said.

“The autopsy confirms what we have said all along: Savanna Jones died of acute alcohol intoxication from a senseless, illegal hazing ritual,” said Spencer Meador, an attorney with Cooper Elliott, the Ohio-based law firm representing the family. “Her death was preventable.”

Her family is suing the Ohio HBCU. The complaint was filed against Wilberforce, the university’s resident director, and several unnamed students.

The Jones family is suing the university on four counts of neglect. The suit alleges Wilberforce failed to enforce its hazing and alcohol-free policies through dorm checks, allowed unsafe dorm conditions, and failed to have employees report conditions that led to a deadly night.

Capital B reached out to Wilberforce University for comment, but the school hasn’t responded.

Learn more about the incident.

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