Tragic College Hazing Incident Leads to Arrest of 3 Fraternity Members Amid Intensified Investigation

Tragedy struck an Arizona community as an 18-year-old student from Northern Arizona University (NAU) was found dead following an off-campus fraternity event. This unfortunate incident led to the arrest of three fraternity members, casting a shadow over the campus and its surroundings.

Authorities were alerted to the distressing situation on Saturday, January 31, at approximately 8:45 a.m. The Flagstaff Police Department responded to an emergency call reporting that the young student was “found unresponsive” at a residence located on S. Pine Grove Road in Flagstaff.

According to the police statement, bystanders within the house attempted to resuscitate the student by performing CPR before the officers arrived. Despite their efforts, when the police got to the scene, they found the student not breathing. They continued life-saving procedures until paramedics took over.

Tragically, despite these efforts, the student was pronounced dead at the scene, as confirmed by the authorities. The student’s identity has not been disclosed at this time, respecting the privacy of those involved.

Further investigations revealed that the student had attended a gathering the previous evening at the same location. This event, described as a “rush” function for the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, involved alcohol consumption by several attendees, including the deceased student, according to the Flagstaff Police Department.

The somber events unfolded on that Saturday, January 31, 2026, highlighting the potential risks associated with fraternity activities and underage drinking. The incident remains under investigation as the community grapples with the loss of a young life and the subsequent legal implications faced by the fraternity members involved.

The incident led to the arrest of three Delta Tau Delta fraternity members, according to police. 

20-year-old students Carter Eslick, Riley Cass and Ryan Creech were each taken into custody and charged with hazing in connection with the student’s death, FPD said in the statement.

Students walk along a sun-dappled pedestrian pathway on the Northern Arizona University (NAU) campus in Flagstaff, Arizona, on Sept. 10, 2025.  (iStock)

Hazing is defined, in part, as the “submission of members or prospective members to potentially dangerous or hazardous circumstances or activities” that may result in personal injury, according to NAU. 

Detectives are still working to determine the student’s manner and cause of death, the FPD said.

In a statement, NAU called the student’s death a “devastating loss,” while adding “our hearts are with his family, friends and all members of our community who are grieving.”

Students walk along a sun-dappled pedestrian pathway on the Northern Arizona University (NAU) campus in Flagstaff, Arizona on Sept. 10, 2025.  (iStock)

The university also acknowledged the arrest of three of its students and revealed the campus’ Delta Tau Delta fraternity chapter has been suspended “to allow a full investigation to take place and prioritize student safety.” 

“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 added.

In 2022, hazing was criminalized in Arizona under Jack’s Law, with offenders risking punishment of up to 3.75 years in prison, according to Fraternal Law. 

The FPD, Delta Tau Delta’s national chapter and NAU did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.