In a stark reminder of the dangers of hazing rituals, the pledge master of a fraternity at Northern Arizona University faces serious legal consequences. On Friday, authorities indicted Carter Eslick on a felony hazing charge connected to the tragic death of 18-year-old Colin Daniel Martinez. The incident, which took place during a fraternity rush event in late January, resulted from excessive alcohol consumption at an off-campus residence.
According to the charges, Eslick is accused of instigating or compelling the drinking that tragically led to Martinez’s death on January 31. When police arrived at the scene, they found Martinez unresponsive despite efforts by bystanders to revive him with CPR. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the location.
The autopsy results were harrowing, revealing that Martinez succumbed to alcohol poisoning with a blood alcohol content of 0.425% — over five times the legal driving limit for individuals aged 21 and over in Arizona. The state enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21 who are found to be under the influence.
“The loss of a young person is always a tragedy,” remarked Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker in a public statement, underscoring the profound impact of this heartbreaking event.
Efforts to reach Josh Blumenrich, the attorney representing Eslick, for comment were unsuccessful as he did not respond to immediate inquiries. This unfolding saga continues to highlight the critical need for addressing the dangers associated with hazing practices in student organizations.
Josh Blumenrich, an attorney representing Eslick, didn’t immediately return a phone call seeking comment.
In a statement, the university said the death has “shaken our entire community” and noted that Eslick is no longer enrolled there.
Two other members of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity were arrested along with Eslick after Martinez’s death, but the charge filed on Friday was only against Eslick.
Prosecutors declined to say whether they will ask a grand jury to charge the other two fraternity members.
Martinez was among four people who were candidates for the fraternity and shared two bottles of vodka to ensure they vomited, according to court documents. Some witnesses said the bottles might have been diluted with water.
Witnesses reported readjusting his sleeping position, checking his pulse and breathing, and looking up symptoms of alcohol poisoning throughout the night, the documents said.
After Martinez died, the university suspended the fraternity. The national organization later voted to shutter the NAU chapter.
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