Family wants answers in CSUN student's hiking death

NORTHRIDGE, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Investigators and relatives look for answers in the death of a California State University-Northridge student who collapsed on a fraternity outing in the Angeles National Forest. The family of the CSUN student on the hiking trip is demanding answers. The incident is under investigation.

The family is devastated as they wait for any details about the death of 19-year-old Armando Villa. They say his feet were blistered and he died of a heat stroke.

"How do you leave somebody out there without shoes in 100-degree weather? You take their cellphone, they can't call for help," said Joshua Cataneda, Villa's cousin.

The L.A. County Sheriff's Department says Villa was hiking with friends when he passed out Tuesday. He was near Big Tujunga Canyon and Vogel Flat Road.

The family believes it was part of a hazing that went wrong.

"I just don't know how a frat does that to somebody who's trying to be in your group," said Efrain Lopez, Villa's cousin. "It doesn't make sense to me."

The Pi Kappa Phi fraternity confirms that Villa was on a fraternity-organized event. Villa's car was found in front of an off-campus house that the fraternity reportedly uses. Neighbors say there is always a lot of activity and a lot of noise.

"Most of the time they have parties till morning, 4 o'clock, 5 o'clock, and too much loud music," said neighbor Bita Abadia.

Cal State Northridge ordered the fraternity to cease and desist all activities pending the outcome of the investigation. The fraternity says officials flew in from the East Coast to meet with school officials.

The family said Thursday they haven't been contacted.

"As far as the fraternity is concerned, not anybody from the top of the fraternity to members of the fraternities. And if the fraternities are supposed to be these brotherhoods, I would expect some of these boys to come and offer their condolences to the parents," said Maria Castaneda, Villa's aunt.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the university and the fraternity are all conducting separate investigations and could not comment.

A fund has been set up to help the family pay for funeral expenses. To donate, visit https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/dk05/armando-villa-s-funeral-memorial-fund.