An alleged hazing ritual at a Delta Tau Delta rush event near Northern Arizona University left 18-year-old Colin Daniel Martinez dead on Jan. 31 after an autopsy attributed his death to alcohol poisoning and recorded a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.425%. Three fraternity leaders have been arrested on suspicion of hazing, and the Coconino County Attorney’s Office is reviewing potential charges. NAU suspended the chapter and Delta Tau Delta has permanently closed the local chapter while cooperating with investigators.
Alleged Hazing at NAU Rush Night Leaves 18-Year-Old Dead; Three Arrested and Chapter Closed
Alleged hazing death tied to secretive rush night ignites arrests and frat reckoning
An alleged fraternity initiation near Northern Arizona University in late January turned deadly when 18-year-old Colin Daniel Martinez was found unresponsive after a rush event. An autopsy obtained by investigators found alcohol poisoning as the cause of death and recorded a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.425%, a level medical experts say can be fatal.
What Happened
Authorities say Martinez attended a Delta Tau Delta "rush" event the night before he was discovered. Housemates reportedly heard him snoring loudly around 3 a.m.; court records indicate others repositioned him, checked his pulse and searched online for signs of alcohol poisoning before calling 911. Bystanders were performing CPR when emergency responders arrived, but Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene.
Allegations and Arrests
Investigators allege Martinez and three other prospective members were instructed to consume large amounts of vodka as part of an initiation rite, with the expectation they would drink until they vomited. Police later arrested three fraternity leaders — Carter Eslick, Ryan Creech and Riley Cass — on suspicion of hazing. Charges remain under review by the Coconino County Attorney’s Office.
Students walk along a sun-dappled pedestrian pathway on the Northern Arizona University (NAU) campus in Flagstaff, Arizona on Sept. 10, 2025.(iStock)
Legal And Institutional Response
Chief Deputy County Attorney Michael Tunink said prosecutors are conducting an independent evaluation of the evidence to determine whether charges under Arizona law are appropriate, and that the office is continuing to work with the Flagstaff Police Department. No court date has been set.
Arizona criminalized hazing in 2022 under legislation known as "Jack’s Law," which can impose prison sentences for offenders. Northern Arizona University said it is "mourning the tragic death of a student" and temporarily suspended the Delta Tau Delta chapter while it conducted a review.
Fraternity Reaction
Delta Tau Delta’s national leadership announced it has permanently closed the NAU chapter. CEO Jack Kreman described the action as consistent with the fraternity’s zero-tolerance policy on hazing, said the organization is cooperating with investigators and pledged to reinforce safety protocols, bystander intervention training and member education across chapters. Kreman offered condolences to Martinez’s family and loved ones, calling the loss a "tragedy without measure."
Ongoing Investigation
The case remains under criminal review, and prosecutors have emphasized the seriousness of the matter and their careful evaluation of all available evidence. The story is a reminder of the risks associated with hazing and dangerous drinking rituals and has prompted renewed scrutiny of fraternity safety practices on campus.
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