ARIZONA, Three leaders of a university fraternity have been arrested on criminal hazing charges after an 18-year-old student died during a rush event over the weekend, according to police.
The teenager, a student at Northern Arizona University, was found unresponsive around 8:44 a.m. Saturday at an off-campus residence associated with the Delta Tau Delta fraternity near the Flagstaff campus, according to the Flagstaff Police Department and the university.
Despite life-saving measures, the student was pronounced dead at the scene. The name of the student was not immediately released.
The students arrested were identified as Carter Eslick, 20, the fraternity’s new member educator; Ryan Creech, 20, the fraternity vice president; and Riley Cass, 20, the fraternity treasurer. All were executive board members of the fraternity.
Police officers executed search warrants at the residence where the student died and interviewed several witnesses.
The cause and manner of the student’s death remains pending an autopsy by the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office, according to authorities.
“Preliminary information indicates the deceased male, a Northern Arizona University (NAU) student, attended a gathering at the residence the previous evening, identified as a ‘rush’ event for the Delta Tau Delta fraternity,” police said in a statement.
Officials reported that alcohol consumption occurred among numerous individuals in attendance, including pledge candidates, and included the deceased student.
As a result of the investigation, three students were arrested on the criminal charge of hazing. The suspects were booked at the Coconino County Detention Facility, police said.
Northern Arizona University released a statement calling the incident a devastating loss.
“This is a devastating loss, and our hearts are with his family, friends and all members of our community who are grieving,” the university said.
The university said it is aware of the ongoing investigation and the arrests of the three students.
“We appreciate the diligence of the Flagstaff Police Department as they work to establish the facts and pursue accountability, and NAU stands ready to support the investigation as it unfolds,” the statement added.
NAU also announced it has suspended the Delta Tau Delta fraternity to allow a full investigation and to prioritize student safety.
The school said it provides fraternities with hazing prevention training and maintains high standards of conduct for all student organizations and individuals.
The Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity also issued a statement expressing sadness over the tragedy.
“Pending the outcome of both the professional investigation and the subsequent internal investigation by Fraternity officials, the chapter remains on interim suspension,” said Jack Kreman, CEO of the Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity.
During this time, the chapter is prohibited from any activities, and all associated operations have ceased.
Kreman added that the organization’s stance on hazing is clear, calling it a violation of fraternity values and “the antithesis of brotherhood.”
The tragedy has reignited concerns about hazing culture within college Greek life, with many calling for accountability and stronger enforcement to prevent future loss of life.
