Lincoln, Neb. – The long‑standing Halloween tradition at the University of Nebraska‑Lincoln’s Phi Delta Theta fraternity is taking on a heartfelt purpose this year. Members of the fraternity are using the proceeds from their annual “Nightmare on R Street” haunted house to support brother Brayan Van Meter, who is currently hospitalized after a cardiac arrest during a half‑marathon in Kansas City.
Medical emergency and family update
On Oct. 17, Van Meter was running his third half marathon in Kansas City when he collapsed around mile 11. Bystanders performed CPR for roughly 20 minutes before paramedics arrived, and emergency crews continued compressions for an additional 15 minutes, ultimately reviving him. He was transported to Saint Luke’s Hospital, placed in a medically induced coma, and is now facing complications affecting his lungs, kidneys, and neurological recovery.
Fraternity rallying around a brother
“When you’re moving into a place for the first time, you kind of don’t really know anybody, and you’re kind of getting to know everybody, and Brayan made himself really, really available for all of us,” said Jack Kohout, a Phi Delta Theta member. Fellow brother Thomas Gardner recalled the many half‑marathons they shared, noting that the recent race may be one of his last memories with Van Meter.
Upon learning of the emergency, the fraternity quickly decided to redirect the haunted house proceeds to Van Meter’s family. “It was just one text from somebody: ‘Hey, we should see if we can get all these proceeds to go to Brayan and his family.’ And it was pretty instant from there,” Gardner explained.
Fundraising progress
As of Wednesday, the fraternity had already raised approximately $7,000. Phi Delta Theta’s philanthropy chair, Charles Fehringer, said the response has extended beyond current members, with alumni and younger students helping sell tickets and spread the word. “We’ve seen juniors, seniors, even guys that have graduated, get involved and sell tickets. I’m very thankful,” he said.
All proceeds from the two‑night haunted house, scheduled for Oct. 28‑29 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the fraternity house on 1545 R Street, will go directly toward Van Meter’s medical expenses and recovery costs.
Community prayers and support
Fraternity members emphasized the importance of prayer and community support. “So many of us think about his family, his parents, his siblings, his fiancée every single day. We are doing everything we can from afar to keep them in our prayers and to help in any way we can,” said member Jackson Ingvoldstad.
Van Meter’s family posted an update on his CaringBridge page, thanking the community for the outpouring of love. “Brayan has been surrounded by so much love these past few days. He has always been a fighter, and we know he’s going to keep giving this everything he’s got,” the family wrote.
Looking ahead
The fraternity’s “Nightmare on R Street” haunted house has been a staple of campus life for 13 years, raising money for charitable causes each Halloween. This year’s focus on a brother in need underscores the fraternity’s commitment to brotherhood, service, and community support. The event remains open to the public, with admission set at $10, and all funds directed to Van Meter’s recovery.
Updates on Van Meter’s condition will continue to be shared by his family as they navigate his road to recovery.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
