Three leaders of a fraternity at Northern Arizona University have been arrested on hazing charges following the death of an 18-year-old pledge who died during a rush event.
The Flagstaff Police Department and the university confirmed that the teenage victim was found unresponsive around 8:44 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, at an off-campus residence that is associated with the Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
After the victim’s body was found, bystanders and police officers attempted life-saving measures. However, authorities confirmed that the student could not be saved and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The name of the victim has not yet been publicly released.
Following the student’s death, police officers executed search warrants where the student died, as well as interviewed several witnesses about what happened.
Police said that the cause and manner of the student’s death will be determined after the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office performs an autopsy.
“Preliminary information indicates the deceased male, a Northern Arizona University (NAU) student, attended a gathering at the residence the previous evening, identified as a ‘rush’ event for the Delta Tau Delta fraternity,” police said in the statement. “Alcohol consumption was reported to have occurred by numerous individuals in attendance, including pledge candidates, which includes the deceased male.”
Following the initial investigation, students Carter Eslick, Ryan Creech and Riley Cass — who all happened to be board members of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity — were arrested on the criminal charge of hazing.
Police said that the three students were taken into custody at the Coconino County Detention Facility. It is not currently clear if Eslick, Creech, or Cass, all 20, entered pleas or retained legal representation as of time of publication. Mug shots were also not immediately available for the three suspects.
Police added in the statement that the investigation is active and ongoing.
Northern Arizona University released a statement regarding the incident, calling the student’s death a “devastating loss,” according to ABC News. “Our hearts are with his family, friends and all members of our community who are grieving,” the statement continued.
The university spokesperson added that they are aware of the ongoing investigation and the three students’ arrests.
“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,” the university added.
Not only has the university been reviewing the incident, but they said that they suspended the Delta Tau Delta fraternity “to allow a full investigation to take place and prioritize student safety.”
“Pending the outcome of both the professional investigation and the subsequent internal investigation by Fraternity officials, the chapter remains on interim suspension,” CEO of the Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity Jack Kreman said. “During this time, the chapter is prohibited from any activities, and all associated operations have ceased.”
Kreman continued, “Our position on hazing is clear: it is the antithesis of brotherhood and a violation of the values of Delta Tau Delta.”
