An 18-year-old NAU student was found unresponsive at a Flagstaff residence on Jan. 31 after attending an off-campus Delta Tau Delta "rush" event. Bystanders performed CPR but the student was later pronounced dead. Three 20-year-old NAU students—Carter Eslick, Ryan Creech and Riley Cass—have been arrested and charged with hazing. Detectives are coordinating with the Coconino County Medical Examiner while NAU says it is cooperating and condemns hazing.
18-Year-Old NAU Student Found Dead After Off‑Campus Fraternity Rush; Three Charged With Hazing
Northern Arizona UniversityGoogle Maps
An 18-year-old male student from Northern Arizona University (NAU) was found unresponsive at a residence in Flagstaff, Arizona, on Saturday, Jan. 31, after attending an off-campus fraternity event the night before. Flagstaff Police Department (FPD) officers responded around 8:44 a.m. local time to a call about the student and found bystanders performing CPR when they arrived.
Medical Response and Death
Officers continued life-saving measures on scene until paramedics took over, but the student was later pronounced dead at the residence on S. Pine Grove Road. Detectives say the student had attended a gathering identified as a "rush" event for the Delta Tau Delta fraternity the previous evening.
A Flagstaff police vehicleFlagstaff Police Department/Facebook
Investigation and Charges
Police said alcohol was reportedly consumed by several pledge members at the event. Following their investigation, the Flagstaff Police Department arrested and charged three 20-year-old NAU students—Carter Eslick, Ryan Creech, and Riley Cass—with hazing in connection with the student's death. Hazing, as described by authorities, can include forcing someone to consume food, liquid, alcohol or other substances in a way that creates substantial risk to their health.
FPD detectives are continuing to follow leads, review evidence and are coordinating with the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office to determine the official cause and manner of death. The department has asked anyone with information to call 928-774-1414 or Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.
Police tape (stock image)Getty
University Statement
In a statement, Northern Arizona University called the death a "devastating loss" and confirmed it is cooperating with the FPD investigation. NAU emphasized that the safety and well-being of students are top priorities and said, "Violence, hazing or any other behavior that endangers others has no place at NAU."
Legal Context
Hazing is illegal in many U.S. states. In Arizona, an anti-hazing law informally known as "Jack's Law" was enacted in 2022; when hazing results in a person's death, the statute carries penalties, including potential prison time. Authorities have not released the medical examiner's findings and the legal process is ongoing.
Note: The individuals arrested have been charged but not convicted. The investigation is active and further details will be released by law enforcement as they become available.
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