Arizona Student Dies After Fraternity ‘Rush’ Event, 3 Arrested for Hazing

An 18-year-old Arizona college student died last weekend after attending an off-campus fraternity event. Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Details of the Incident

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, at approximately 8:45 a.m., officers responded to a call regarding an unresponsive 18-year-old male student at a residence on South Pine Grove Road in Flagstaff. The student, attending Northern Arizona University (NAU), was found at a house identified as the location of a “rush” event for the Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

Bystanders at the scene initiated CPR prior to the arrival of law enforcement. Upon arrival, officers continued life-saving measures until paramedics arrived, but the student was pronounced dead at the scene.

Did You Know? Hazing is defined, in part, as the “submission of members or prospective members to potentially dangerous or hazardous circumstances or activities” that may result in personal injury, according to NAU.

Arrests and Investigation

Following the incident, three Delta Tau Delta fraternity members were arrested and charged with hazing. Those arrested are twenty-year-old students Carter Eslick, Riley Cass and Ryan Creech. Detectives are continuing to investigate the manner and cause of the student’s death.

University and Fraternity Response

Northern Arizona University released a statement calling the student’s death a “devastating loss” and expressing support for the student’s family, friends, and the wider university community. The university has suspended the Delta Tau Delta fraternity chapter to allow for a full investigation and to prioritize student safety.

Expert Insight: The suspension of the fraternity chapter demonstrates the university’s immediate concern for student safety and its commitment to a thorough investigation of the events that led to this tragic outcome.

In Arizona, hazing was criminalized in 2022 under Jack’s Law, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 3.75 years for offenders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened at Northern Arizona University?

An 18-year-old student was found unresponsive at an off-campus fraternity event and was pronounced dead at the scene. Three fraternity members were arrested and charged with hazing.

Which fraternity was involved?

The incident involved the Delta Tau Delta fraternity at Northern Arizona University. The university has suspended the chapter pending an investigation.

What are the charges against the arrested students?

Carter Eslick, Riley Cass, and Ryan Creech were each charged with hazing in connection with the student’s death.

What role do fraternities and universities play in ensuring student safety during recruitment events?