An 18-year-old Northern Arizona University student was found dead early Saturday after attending an off-campus fraternity recruitment event, and three executive members of the chapter were arrested on suspicion of hazing. The death has shaken the Flagstaff campus and triggered both a criminal probe and an interim suspension of the fraternity chapter while investigators work to piece together what happened.
Flagstaff police say officers were dispatched at about 8:44 a.m. Saturday, a report of an unresponsive man at a residence near campus. Bystanders had already started CPR before officers arrived, and first responders continued life-saving efforts, but the student was pronounced dead at the scene, as reported by KTAR.
Investigators learned that the gathering the night before was a "rush" event for the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and that alcohol was reportedly consumed by several attendees, including pledge candidates. Authorities arrested three 20-year-old chapter officers, New Member Educator Carter Eslick, Vice President Ryan Creech, and Treasurer Riley Cass, on suspicion of hazing, according to reporting by KNAU.
NAU response and chapter suspension
Northern Arizona University called the loss "devastating" and said it has placed the Delta Tau Delta chapter on interim suspension while the university carries out its own student conduct review and cooperates with law enforcement. The school noted that counseling and crisis resources are available to students and emphasized that university processes are separate from the criminal investigation, according to a statement posted by Northern Arizona University.
What the charges could mean under state law
Arizona made hazing a criminal offense in 2022, defining a broad range of conduct tied to initiation or membership activities and prohibiting acts that cause or create a risk of physical or emotional harm. The legislation that established the statute is detailed in HB 2322, and state sentencing provisions indicate that hazing resulting in serious injury or death can be prosecuted as a felony, with potential multi-year prison terms depending on the charge and circumstances.
Investigation and how to help
Flagstaff detectives say they have executed search warrants, interviewed witnesses and are working with the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office to determine the cause and manner of death. Anyone with information is asked to contact Flagstaff Police at 928-774-1414 or Silent Witness at 928-774-6111, per KNAU.
