FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (WLS) — Authorities have charged three fraternity leaders with hazing following the tragic death of a pledge at an Arizona college after a rush event. The incident unfolded on a Friday night, according to local police reports.
Flagstaff police responded to an emergency call around 8:45 a.m. Saturday, involving an unresponsive 18-year-old male at a residence in the 100 block of South Pine Grove Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered the Northern Arizona University student was not breathing.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Despite the efforts of bystanders who performed CPR, and subsequent attempts by officers and paramedics to revive him, the student was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigations revealed that the student had participated in a Delta Tau Delta fraternity rush event at the location on Friday night. Witness accounts, including those from other pledges, indicated that alcohol consumption had been part of the evening’s activities.
In connection with the incident, three 20-year-old students from NAU, all of whom are members of the Delta Tau Delta executive board, have been arrested on hazing charges. The individuals are identified as Carter Eslick, the New Member Educator; Ryan Creech, the Vice President; and Riley Cass, the Treasurer. They are currently held at the Coconino County Detention Facility.
The Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office is set to determine the official cause and manner of death. The deceased student’s name has not yet been made public.
Delta Tau Delta issued a statement, saying their NAU chapter has been placed on interim suspension pending the results of investigations by police and fraternity officials.
The Flagstaff Police Department asked anyone with information to call them at 928-774-1414 or Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.
Delta Tau Delta Fraternity’s full statement:
“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.”
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
