Arizona Freshman Pledge Dies After Fraternity Rush Event Turned Into Alcohol-Fueled Hazing Party, Police Say
FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA — An 18-year-old college student died after a fraternity “rush” event allegedly escalated into an alcohol-fueled hazing party, prompting multiple arrests and an ongoing criminal investigation, according to police and university officials.
Freshman Found Unresponsive After Off-Campus Party
The victim, whose name has not been publicly released, was a second-semester freshman at Northern Arizona University and a pledge candidate with the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, authorities said.
Police responded Saturday morning to a home in the 10 block of South Pine Grove Road after receiving a report of an unresponsive male. Officers said bystanders had begun CPR before police arrived. Despite continued lifesaving efforts by officers and paramedics, the student was pronounced dead at the scene.
Alcohol Consumption Reported During “Rush” Event
According to the Flagstaff Police Department, the gathering was identified as a fraternity rush event held the previous night at an off-campus residence.
“Alcohol consumption was reported to have occurred by numerous individuals in attendance, including pledge candidates,” police said in a press release. Investigators described the event as having turned into a hazing party involving excessive alcohol use.
Detectives executed search warrants the day after the party and conducted multiple witness interviews as part of the investigation.
Three Fraternity Officers Arrested on Hazing Charges
Police announced that three Northern Arizona University students, all executive board members of Delta Tau Delta, were arrested and booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility on charges of hazing.
Those arrested were identified as:
- Carter Eslick, 20, new member educator
- Ryan Creech, 20, vice president
- Riley Cass, 20, treasurer
Police said the arrests followed preliminary findings that linked the event and its conditions to the freshman’s death. The official cause and manner of death are still pending determination by the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Fraternity and University Respond With Suspensions
Delta Tau Delta officials released a statement expressing sorrow over the student’s death and said the organization is cooperating with law enforcement. The fraternity confirmed that the NAU chapter has been placed on interim suspension, prohibiting all activities during the investigation.
“Our position on hazing is clear: it is the antithesis of brotherhood,” fraternity officials said, adding that the organization supports state and federal anti-hazing laws, including Arizona’s “Jack’s Law” and the 2024 Stop Campus Hazing Act.
Northern Arizona University also issued a statement emphasizing student safety and confirming that the fraternity has been suspended while the university conducts its own review under student conduct policies.
Campus Community Reacts to Student’s Death
The death has deeply shaken the NAU campus, with students expressing anger and grief in interviews with local media.
“He was literally in his second semester, hadn’t even finished the whole year,” one student said. “It’s not fair. It’s so daunting that hazing could go this far.”
Investigation Ongoing
Police said detectives are continuing to review evidence, interview witnesses, and coordinate with the medical examiner as the case develops. Additional charges have not been ruled out.
Readers can follow ongoing updates and share their thoughts on fraternity safety and accountability at CabarrusWeekly.com, where we continue to cover major criminal cases with national significance.
