3 NAU fraternity members arrested, facing hazing charges in connection with death of 18-year-old student

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Three executive members of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity at Northern Arizona University are facing criminal charges of hazing after an 18-year-old student was found dead following a “rush” event. 

Police found the young adult unconscious at a home on South Pinegrove Rd, near Northern Arizona University, around 8:44 a.m. Saturday. 

According to police, bystanders had already started CPR before officers arrived. Police continued life-saving measures, but the man was pronounced dead on the scene. 

Flagstaff police told 12News that the man who died had attended a “rush” event for the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, where he, members of the fraternity, and “pledge candidates” were consuming alcohol. 

Police have arrested three Delta Tau Delta executive board members: Carter Eslick, 20, the new member educator; Ryan Creech, 20, the vice president; and Riley Cass, 20, the treasurer.

“This honestly came as a surprise to me. They seem like good kids, normal kids,” a neighbor who asked to remain anonymous told 12News.

People living near the off-campus fraternity house told 12News the house has been mostly unproblematic, and nothing was out of the ordinary on Friday night.

“It’s just sad that the young guy died so young, and so many other young people will be traumatized by that event,” Don P., another neighbor, said.

The family of the victim has been told, but the identity of the victim has not been released yet. 

NAU released a statement Saturday night: 

Northern Arizona University is mourning the tragic death of a student on Saturday. This is a devastating loss, and our hearts are with his family, friends and all members of our community who are grieving.

We are aware that the Flagstaff Police Department has announced criminal charges against three individuals in connection with an incident that occurred at an off-campus residence associated with the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. We appreciate the diligence of the Flagstaff Police Department as they work to establish the facts and pursue accountability, and NAU stands ready to support the investigation as it unfolds.

We want to be clear: The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priorities. Violence, hazing or any other behavior that endangers others has no place at NAU. The university has robust hazing prevention training and requirements, and has high standards for the conduct of all NAU-associated organizations and individual students. The university is reviewing this matter under applicable university policies and student conduct processes, which are separate from the criminal justice system. In accordance with standard university processes, NAU has interim suspended Delta Tau Delta to allow a full investigation to take place and prioritize student safety. Consistent with privacy laws, we are limited in what we can share regarding individual students.

We recognize that this loss has deeply affected our campus. Counseling and support resources are available to students, faculty and staff.

Delta Tau Delta also shared a statement from International Fraternity CEO Jack Kreman in response to the incident.

“Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity is aware and deeply saddened by the tragic incident at Northern Arizona University involving members of the local chapter. The International Fraternity joins the campus community in mourning today and extends our deepest sympathies to the young man’s family and all those affected.

“The Fraternity is aware of an ongoing investigation into the incident and encourages its 
members’ cooperation with local law enforcement. Delta Tau Delta is committed to partnering with local officials and the administration at Northern Arizona University to understand what led to this tragedy.

“Pending the outcome of both the professional investigation and the subsequent internal investigation by Fraternity officials, the chapter remains on interim suspension. During this time, the chapter is prohibited from any activities, and all associated operations have ceased. “Our position on hazing is clear: it is the antithesis of brotherhood and a violation of the values of Delta Tau Delta. Since our founding, the Fraternity has maintained strong policies barring hazing, and our organization vigorously supports the implementation of anti-hazing legislation, such as ‘Jack’s Law’ in Arizona and federal laws, such as the 2024 Stop Campus Hazing Act. 

“Fraternities like Delta Tau Delta strive to create an environment where men can grow and thrive. Research consistently shows better personal, academic and professional outcomes for young men who join fraternities compared to their non-affiliated peers. It is for this reason that our organization so strongly rejects hazing. We know that brotherhood requires trust, and hazing betrays that sacred bond. We will continue to educate our members on upholding the principles of respect, integrity, and safety that define true fraternity membership.”

Flagstaff police is asking anyone with information on the sudden death to call the department at 928-774-1414 or Silent Witness at 928-774-6111. 

Hazing was made illegal in Arizona in 2022 under “Jack’s Law.”

The law was named in honor of former Arizona State University freshman Jack Culolias, who died as a result of alcohol poisoning following a hazing ritual with the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. 

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