IUP student dies after fight; fraternity brother charged

An Indiana University of Pennsylvania student was found dead and his fraternity brother is in jail after they brawled near the campus.

Brady DiStefano, 19, is charged with aggravated assault in the death of his 20-year-old Phi Delta Theta fraternity brother, Caleb Zwieg.

Investigators said the situation started as an off-campus fight between fraternity brothers. Police said Zwieg was "choked out" during a fight Friday night along Wayne Avenue. He died at Indiana Regional Medical Center on Saturday morning.

According to a criminal complaint, a witness told police DiStefano was spotted on top of Zwieg, choking him. The witness said he broke the two up and tried to save Zwieg.

An autopsy and toxicology results are pending, and  Indiana County Coroner Jerry Overman Jr. has not ruled a cause of death.

"We can't see any visible injuries at this time. We're waiting for toxicologies," Overman said.

Indiana County District Attorney Patrick Dougherty said more charges could be filed against DiStefano after those tests are complete.

"Pending the results of the autopsy and upon further investigation, we may revisit these charges to include other charges as would be appropriate," Dougherty said.

Zwieg was from Rockville, Maryland, police said.

Michelle Fryling, executive director of communications and media relations for IUP, said in a statement, "We are heartbroken about this tragedy.  We are providing appropriate support to Caleb's friends and family and all of the university community."

DiStefano remains in the Indiana County Jail and his bail had not been set as of Saturday night.

Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity issued the following statement:

Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity was deeply concerned and saddened by the tragic passing of Brother Caleb Zweig. We offer our deepest condolences to Caleb's family and friends, the Men of Pennsylvania Lambda, and the IUP Greek Community on the loss of Brother Zweig. As new details emerge, we will continue to monitor and review the situation along with local and university officials.

Stay with Channel 11 News and WPXI.com for continuing coverage.

Cox Media Group