06/15/2026
For nearly two decades, the DeVercelly and Burch families, and, more recently, the Oakes family, have transformed unimaginable loss into a powerful movement for change.
A new documentary, 4000 Days, premiering at the Tribeca Festival, shares the stories of families who lost their sons to fraternity hazing and refused to let those tragedies be forgotten. The film follows the journeys of Julie and Gary DeVercelly, whose son Gary Jr. died in a hazing incident at Rider University, Kim and TJ Burch, whose son Nolan died at West Virginia University in an hazing incident a week after his 18th birthday, and Eric and Linda Oakes, whose son Adam died as a result of fraternity hazing at Virginia Commonwealth University. Their advocacy has helped drive major reforms, including the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act and state-level legislation aimed at protecting students and saving lives.
We are honored to represent and stand alongside our clients, the DeVercelly and Oakes families. Their courage, determination, and commitment to protecting future generations continue to inspire us every day.
The fight to end hazing is far from over, but thanks to families like the Burches, DeVercellys, and the Oakes, meaningful change is underway.
Read the People exclusive here: https://people.com/fraternity-hazing-killed-teenage-sons-parents-fight-to-save-others-documentary-exclusive-11995970
In the new film '4000 Days' — which premiered at Tribeca Festival on June 10 — parents whose sons were killed by fraternity hazing open up about the unrelenting grief of losing a child.
