Parents who lost children to college hazing spent 4,000 days fighting for federal law in new documentary

A Decade of Advocacy: Families Share Heartbreaking Journey in '4000 Days' Documentary

Tragic Losses Spark a Fight for Federal Change

Parents who lost children to college - A new documentary titled "4000 Days" sheds light on the tireless efforts of three families who lost their children to college hazing and spent over a decade advocating for federal legislation to prevent similar tragedies. The film, which will debut at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 10, follows the emotional and political journey of these grieving parents as they push for reforms in a system they believe failed their loved ones.

"'4000 Days' is not only a story of loss — it's a testament to love, resilience, and the power of ordinary people to transform tragedy into lasting impact, ensuring no other family has to endure the same pain," the film's synopsis states.

The DeVercellys: A Story of Unyielding Determination

Among the families featured is Gary and Julie DeVercelly, whose son Gary Jr. died in 2007 while pledging a fraternity at Rider University. The couple has become a central figure in the fight against hazing, traveling to Capitol Hill repeatedly to lobby for federal laws that hold institutions accountable. Their advocacy also extended to state-level reforms, including support for California’s AB 299 in 2023. This legislation aimed to allow families of hazing victims to sue colleges if the schools were aware or should have been aware of dangerous practices. Though initially vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom, a revised version of the bill eventually passed, marking a significant victory for the DeVercellys and others.

Their relentless pursuit of justice has not only shaped legislation but also inspired countless others. "Even though sharing Gary’s story is painful, it’s a price we’re willing to pay to protect future families," Julie DeVercelly explained to Fox News Digital. Gary Jr. was described as a "warm, gentle, and loving person" who "lit up the room" with his smile. "We miss him dearly," she added, highlighting the emotional toll of their advocacy.

From Grief to Leadership: The Power of Collective Action

Following their son’s death, the DeVercellys dedicated themselves to ensuring transparency and accountability in college hazing. They were not alone in their mission. Other parents, including the Oakes and Burch families, joined the cause, each recounting their own tragedies. Adam Oakes, who died from hazing at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021, and Nolan Burch, who perished in a fraternity incident at West Virginia University in 2014, are also featured in the film. Both families established foundations to educate students and parents about the risks of hazing, creating lasting resources to honor their sons.

Daniel E. Catullo III, the documentary’s director, noted that his initial foray into hazing advocacy was unintentional. A seasoned music filmmaker with over two decades of experience, Catullo’s path shifted after the death of Nolan Burch at his alma mater. His Emmy-winning documentary on the incident led to increased attention on the issue, and he found himself drawn into the broader movement. "I became the hazing guy," he said, explaining how other grieving parents sought his help to document their battles.

A System in Crisis: The Families’ Fight Against Institutional Negligence

The film captures the immense resistance these families faced. From the moment they began their campaign, they encountered bureaucratic hurdles and political inertia. "These parents were fighting for something simple: transparency," Catullo remarked. "But the system was built to ignore them until the pressure became overwhelming." The 4,000-day timeline underscores the prolonged struggle to enact the bipartisan Stop Campus Hazing Act, which finally became law after years of advocacy.

One of the film’s most striking moments is a viral bodycam video that shows dozens of college students blindfolded in a basement during an alleged hazing incident. This footage, which gained national attention, exemplifies the dangerous practices that the families sought to expose. Similarly, a recent federal civil rights lawsuit against an Ohio high school highlights the ongoing issues of hazing and sexual assault, underscoring the need for comprehensive legal reforms.

Legacy and Hope: A New Era for College Safety

The DeVercellys emphasized that their efforts are far from over. "We hope '4000 Days' will open people’s eyes to the real heroes in this fight — the families who refused to let their loss go unnoticed," Julie said. The documentary’s release marks a pivotal moment, as it brings together multiple stories of heartbreak and determination to create a powerful narrative.

With the Stop Campus Hazing Act now in place, the families believe the battle is just beginning. "This legislation is a step forward, but we know there’s more work to be done," Gary DeVercelly stated. The film serves as both a memorial and a call to action, urging colleges and lawmakers to prioritize student safety. As Catullo put it, "The families didn’t give up. They kept coming back, and that’s what changed the game."

Through their personal struggles, the families in "4000 Days" have transformed grief into a movement. Their stories remind viewers of the human cost behind bureaucratic delays and the resilience required to challenge systems that often overlook the needs of vulnerable students. As the documentary makes its debut, it carries the weight of countless hours of advocacy, the strength of a united front, and the hope that their efforts will prevent future tragedies.

Voices of the Survivors: A Testament to Courage

The film also highlights the emotional and psychological toll of hazing, with parents describing the moments they first realized their children were in danger. For the Oakes family, the death of Adam in 2021 was a painful reminder of the risks associated with pledge rituals. Similarly, the Burch family recounted their son’s final days, emphasizing the systemic failures that led to his demise. These personal accounts add depth to the documentary, illustrating how each tragedy has a unique story but shares common threads of injustice and neglect.

Catullo’s work with these families has been transformative. "I didn’t set out to make this film, but their persistence made it necessary," he said. The documentary’s success is a tribute to their courage and the broader community of advocates who have fought for change. By giving these families a platform, "4000 Days" aims to educate, inspire, and mobilize public support for stronger protections against hazing in higher education.

As the film prepares for its world premiere, it stands as a symbol of hope and resilience. The 4,000 days of advocacy represent not just a timeline, but a legacy of love and determination. Through their unwavering commitment, the families featured in the documentary have ensured that the lessons of their loss will resonate for years to come, potentially saving lives and reshaping the future of college hazing prevention.