An 18-year-old Northern Arizona University student was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead at a Flagstaff home after attending a Delta Tau Delta "rush" event where alcohol was reportedly consumed. Three 20-year-old members of the fraternity — Carter Eslick, Riley Cass and Ryan Creech — were arrested and charged with hazing. NAU has suspended the campus chapter while detectives continue to investigate the cause and manner of death under Arizona's anti-hazing law.
NAU Student Found Dead After Off‑Campus Fraternity Rush Event; Three Members Arrested on Hazing Charges
College student’s death sparks hazing probe as 3 fraternity members are arrested
An 18-year-old Northern Arizona University student was found unresponsive at a Flagstaff residence the morning of Saturday, Jan. 31, after attending an off-campus fraternity "rush" event, authorities said. Bystanders began CPR before officers arrived, but the student was pronounced dead at the scene.
Flagstaff police said officers were dispatched at about 8:45 a.m. to a home on South Pine Grove Road after reports that the student had been discovered unresponsive. Investigators learned the student had attended a gathering the previous evening identified as a Delta Tau Delta rush event, where several people — including the deceased — consumed alcohol.
Students walk along a sun-dappled pedestrian pathway on the Northern Arizona University campus in Flagstaff on Sept. 10, 2025.(iStock)
Arrests and Charges
The Flagstaff Police Department arrested three members of the campus chapter of Delta Tau Delta in connection with the incident. Twenty-year-old students Carter Eslick, Riley Cass and Ryan Creech were each taken into custody and charged with hazing, police said. Detectives continue to investigate and are working to determine the official manner and cause of death.
University Response
“This is a devastating loss,” Northern Arizona University said in a statement, adding: “Our hearts are with his family, friends and all members of our community who are grieving.”
NAU confirmed the arrest of three students and said the university chapter of Delta Tau Delta has been suspended to allow a full investigation and to prioritize student safety. The Flagstaff Police Department, Delta Tau Delta’s national office and NAU did not immediately provide further comment to media inquiries.
Students walk along a pedestrian pathway on the Northern Arizona University campus in Flagstaff on Sept. 10, 2025.
Legal Context
Hazing is defined by NAU as the "submission of members or prospective members to potentially dangerous or hazardous circumstances or activities" that may result in injury. In Arizona, hazing was criminalized under "Jack's Law" in 2022; legal observers note offenders can face penalties including up to 3.75 years in prison.
The investigation remains active. Authorities have not released the student’s name pending family notification, and officials caution that charges are allegations that must be proven in court.
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