Three executive board members of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity at Northern Arizona University have been arrested on hazing charges following the death of an 18-year-old student after a rush event in Flagstaff, Arizona.
The student was found unresponsive at an off-campus residence on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 8:44 a.m. local time. Bystanders at the residence had already begun performing CPR when officers arrived. Despite continued life-saving measures by police and paramedics, the student was pronounced dead at the scene.
The student’s name has not been released. The Coconino County Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death pending an autopsy.
Police executed search warrants at the residence and interviewed several witnesses. The investigation revealed that the student had attended a rush event at the location on Friday night. Alcohol consumption, specifically of vodka, was reported to have occurred by numerous individuals in attendance, including pledge candidates.
The Flagstaff Police Department arrested three students, all 20 years old and executive board members of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Carter Eslick served as the new member educator, Ryan Creech held the position of vice president, and Riley Cass was the treasurer. All three were charged with hazing and booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility.
The three appeared in court Sunday morning, where they were appointed public defenders for their bail hearings. No pleas were entered during the hearing. All three were granted bail with conditions that prohibit them from speaking to each other or any victims in the case. They are expected back in court on February 19 for a pretrial conference.
Northern Arizona University released a statement saying, “This is a devastating loss, and our hearts are with his family, friends and all members of our community who are grieving.” The school confirmed it was aware of the ongoing investigation and the arrests of the three students.
The university has suspended the Delta Tau Delta fraternity to allow a full investigation to take place and prioritize student safety. The chapter is prohibited from any activities while on interim suspension.
Jack Kreman, CEO of Delta Tau Delta, issued a statement acknowledging the tragedy. “Our position on hazing is clear: it is the antithesis of brotherhood and a violation of the values of Delta Tau Delta,” Kreman said.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, according to police.
Arizona passed legislation in 2022 that made hazing a criminal offense. The law honors Jack Culolias, who died as a freshman at Arizona State University in 2012. Under the statute, hazing resulting in death is classified as a Class 4 felony.
Hazing has long been a persistent problem in college Greek life across the United States, despite decades of prevention efforts. The practice involves rituals or activities that require students to endure physical or emotional harm, humiliation, or excessive alcohol consumption as a condition of joining an organization. While many hazing activities are portrayed as bonding experiences or traditions, they can escalate quickly into dangerous situations.
Rush events, also known as recruitment periods, are designed to introduce prospective members to fraternities and sororities. These events typically occur at the beginning of academic terms and allow students to learn about different organizations before deciding which to join. However, some chapters use these events to begin hazing activities even before students formally pledge.
Alcohol-related hazing remains one of the most dangerous forms of the practice. Activities that require rapid or excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol poisoning, a potentially fatal condition that occurs when blood alcohol levels become toxic. Symptoms include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing, and loss of consciousness. Without immediate medical intervention, alcohol poisoning can result in brain damage or death.
Universities across the country have implemented hazing prevention programs, mandatory training sessions, and strict conduct policies for Greek organizations. Many schools require chapters to register their events and maintain insurance policies. Despite these measures, hazing incidents continue to occur, often in off-campus residences that fall outside direct university oversight.
The death at Northern Arizona University marks another tragedy in a series of hazing-related deaths that have prompted increased scrutiny of Greek life organizations. National fraternity and sorority organizations have responded by strengthening anti-hazing policies, increasing oversight of local chapters, and in some cases, closing chapters that violate standards.
