An 18-year-old college student in Arizona has died after a fraternity rush event allegedly spiraled into an alcohol-fueled hazing party, prompting arrests and an ongoing criminal investigation.
The teen, who was in his second semester at Northern Arizona University, was attending a Delta Tau Delta gathering Friday night at an off-campus home on the 10 block of South Pine Grove Road in Flagstaff, according to students and police. He was participating as a pledge candidate when the event took place.
According to the Flagstaff Police Department, alcohol was consumed by numerous people at the gathering, including pledges.
Police were called to the residence Saturday morning after the student was found unresponsive inside the home.
“Bystanders inside the home initiated CPR prior to police arrival,” police said in a press release. “Upon arrival, officers found the individual not breathing and continued life-saving measures on scene until paramedics arrived. Despite lifesaving efforts, the individual was pronounced deceased on scene.”
Authorities have not yet released the student’s name.
Following the death, three NAU students — all executive board members of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity — were arrested and booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility on felony hazing charges. Police identified them as new member educator Carter Eslick, vice president Ryan Creech, and treasurer Riley Cass, all 20 years old.
Investigators executed search warrants the day after the party and conducted multiple interviews with people who were present at the residence.
“Preliminary information indicates the deceased male attended a gathering at the residence the previous evening, identified as a rush event for the Delta Tau Delta fraternity,” police said. “Detectives are continuing to follow up on additional leads, reviewing evidence, and coordinating with the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause and manner of death.”
Delta Tau Delta fraternity officials released a statement saying they were aware of and deeply saddened by the tragedy.
“The Fraternity is aware of an ongoing investigation into the incident and encourages its members’ cooperation with local law enforcement,” the statement said. “Delta Tau Delta is committed to partnering with local officials and the administration at Northern Arizona University to understand what led to this tragedy.”
The fraternity confirmed the NAU chapter has been placed on interim suspension and is barred from all activities pending the outcome of both the criminal investigation and the organization’s internal review.
“Our position on hazing is clear: it is the antithesis of brotherhood and a violation of the values of Delta Tau Delta,” officials said, adding that the organization supports state and federal anti-hazing laws.
Northern Arizona University also issued a statement emphasizing that the event took place at an off-campus residence.
“We want to be clear: The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priorities,” the university said. “The university is reviewing this matter under applicable university policies and student conduct processes, which are separate from the criminal justice system.”
The school noted that the loss has deeply impacted the campus community, with students expressing shock and grief in interviews with local media.
“I just think it’s crazy that people who go here could haze someone to such an extent that a kid is gone,” one student told a local Fox affiliate. “He was literally in his second semester. It’s heartbreaking. It’s not fair.”
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine exactly what happened in the hours leading up to the student’s death.
No critical thinking skills.