College Student, 18, Found Dead After Attending Party with Alleged Hazing, 3 Fraternity Members Arrested

A college student has died after attending an off-campus fraternity event in Arizona.

At around 8:44 a.m. local time on Saturday, Jan. 31, police responded to reports of an 18-year-old male student from Northern Arizona University (NAU) who was “found unresponsive” at a residence on S. Pine Grove Road in Flagstaff, the Flagstaff Police Department (FPD) said in a news release.

“Bystanders inside the home initiated CPR prior to police arrival,” the FPD said. “Upon arrival, officers found the individual not breathing and continued life-saving measures on scene until paramedics arrived.”

The student was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives determined that the student “attended a gathering at the residence the previous evening, identified as a ‘rush’ event for the Delta Tau Delta fraternity,” the FPD said, adding that the department is investigating the death.

Alcohol was reportedly consumed by several pledge members at the event, including the student who died.

Three Delta Tau Delta fraternity members have been arrested and charged with hazing in connection with the death. The FPD identified them as Carter Eslick, Ryan Creech, and Riley Cass — all 20-year-old students.

Hazing is described as an act in which a person is forced to consume food or liquid, including alcohol or other substances, in a way that may create a substantial risk to their health.

“Detectives are continuing to follow up on additional leads, reviewing evidence, and coordinating with the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause and manner of death,” the FPD said.

NAU called the student’s death a “devastating loss” in an official statement.

“We are aware that the FPD has announced criminal charges against three NAU students in connection with an incident that occurred at an off-campus residence associated with the Delta Tau Delta fraternity,” the university said. “We appreciate the diligence of the FPD as they work to establish the facts and pursue accountability…”

The university said it will support the investigation and emphasized that student safety remains its top priority. “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 statement added.

Hazing is currently illegal in 44 out of 50 states in the U.S. An anti-hazing bill known as Jack’s Law was established in Arizona in 2022, with punishment resulting in a person’s death leading to up to 3.75 years in prison, according to Fraternal Law.

The FPD is asking anyone with information to contact them at 928-774-1414 or Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.

The publication has contacted the FPD and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office for further comment.