Police Arrest Three in Hazing Case Linked to NAU Student Death

Three leaders of a fraternity associated with Northern Arizona University have been arrested on criminal hazing charges following the death of an 18-year-old student during a weekend rush event, authorities said.

The student was found unresponsive around 8:44 a.m. Saturday at an off-campus residence near the Flagstaff campus that is associated with the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, according to the Flagstaff Police Department and the university. Despite life-saving efforts by bystanders and responding officers, the student was pronounced dead at the scene.

The student’s name has not been released.

Police Investigation and Arrests

Police said the student had attended a gathering at the residence the previous evening that was identified as a rush event for the Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

“Preliminary information indicates the deceased male, a Northern Arizona University 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. “Alcohol consumption was reported to have occurred by numerous individuals in attendance, including pledge candidates, which includes the deceased male.”

Officers executed search warrants at the residence and interviewed multiple witnesses as part of the investigation.

As a result, three students identified as executive board members of the fraternity were arrested on criminal hazing charges. Police identified the individuals as Carter Eslick, Ryan Creech, and Riley Cass, all 20 years old.

The three were booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility. Authorities said it was unclear whether any of the students had retained legal counsel as of Sunday.

Police said the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Cause of Death Pending Autopsy

The cause and manner of the student’s death have not yet been determined and remain pending an autopsy by the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office, according to police.

Authorities have not said whether additional charges could be filed or whether other individuals may face potential legal consequences as the investigation continues.

University Suspends Fraternity

Northern Arizona University confirmed the student was enrolled at the school and expressed condolences to the campus community.

“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 in a statement.

NAU said it is aware of the arrests and is cooperating with law enforcement. The university also announced it has suspended the Delta Tau Delta fraternity while the investigation proceeds.

“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 said.

The university added that the suspension is intended “to allow a full investigation to take place and prioritize student safety.”

Fraternity Responds to Incident

The Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity also issued a statement acknowledging the death and the arrests.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident at Northern Arizona University involving members of the local chapter,” said Jack Kreman, CEO of the Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity.

Kreman said the chapter has been placed on interim suspension and is prohibited from all activities while both law enforcement and internal fraternity investigations are conducted.

“Our position on hazing is clear: it is the antithesis of brotherhood and a violation of the values of Delta Tau Delta,” Kreman said.

Ongoing Review

NAU emphasized that it provides hazing prevention training and maintains strict standards for student organizations.

“We want to be clear: The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority,” the university said. “Violence, hazing and any other behavior that endangers others has no place at NAU.”

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