3 fraternity leaders charged with hazing after Northern Arizona University student dies: police
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Three fraternity leaders at an Arizona college are facing hazing charges after a pledge candidate died following a rush event on Friday night, police said.
Flagstaff police responded to a report of an unresponsive 18-year-old man at a home in the 10-block of South Pine Grove Road around 8:45 a.m. local time Saturday.
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There, officers found the Northern Arizona University student, who was not breathing. Bystanders had performed CPR, and officers and paramedics also tried to save the student's life, but he was pronounced dead on the scene.
Police said the student had attended a Delta Tau Delta rush event at the home on South Pine Grove Road on Friday night. Multiple people, including other pledge candidates, reported that drinking had happened at the event.
Three 20-year-old NAU students, who are Delta Tau Delta executive board members, were arrested for hazing and booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility. They are identified as New Member Educator Carter Eslick, Vice President Ryan Creech, and Treasurer Riley Cass.
The Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the student's cause and manner of death. His identity was not immediately released.
Delta Tau Delta issued a statement, saying their NAU chapter has been placed on interim suspension pending the results of investigations by police and fraternity officials.
The Flagstaff Police Department asked anyone with information to call them at 928-774-1414 or Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.
Delta Tau Delta Fraternity's full statement:
"Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity is aware and deeply saddened by the tragic incident at Northern Arizona University involving members of the local chapter. The International Fraternity joins the campus community in mourning today and extends our deepest sympathies to the young man's family and all those affected.
The Fraternity is aware of an ongoing investigation into the incident and encourages its members' cooperation with local law enforcement. Delta Tau Delta is committed to partnering with local officials and the administration at Northern Arizona University to understand what led to this tragedy.
Pending the outcome of both the professional investigation and the subsequent internal investigation by Fraternity officials, the chapter remains on interim suspension. During this time, the chapter is prohibited from any activities, and all associated operations have ceased.
Our position on hazing is clear: it is the antithesis of brotherhood and a violation of the values of Delta Tau Delta. Since our founding, the Fraternity has maintained strong policies barring hazing, and our organization vigorously supports the implementation of anti-hazing legislation, such as 'Jack's Law' in Arizona and federal laws, such as the 2024 Stop Campus Hazing Act.
Fraternities like Delta Tau Delta strive to create an environment where men can grow and thrive. Research consistently shows better personal, academic and professional outcomes for young men who join fraternities compared to their non-affiliated peers. It is for this reason that our organization so strongly rejects hazing. We know that brotherhood requires trust, and hazing betrays that sacred bond. We will continue to educate our members on upholding the principles of respect, integrity, and safety that define true fraternity membership."
