Northern Arizona University student dead, 3 arrested at fraternity ‘rush’ event

An 18-year-old Northern Arizona University student died after an off-campus “rush” incident, and three members of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity were arrested on suspicion of hazing, according to Flagstaff police.

The authorities have not released the name of the deceased student.

The deaths shocked the university, which has about 20,000 students at its Flagstaff campus. “This is a devastating loss, and our hearts go out to his family, friends and all members of our community who are grieving,” the university said in an unsigned statement.

Police were called to a home on South Pinegrove Road at 8:44 a.m. on Jan. 31, where an 18-year-old girl was found unresponsive. Police and later paramedics tried to resuscitate him, but he was pronounced dead at the home, Flagstaff police spokesman Sgt. Jerry Rintala said.

Detectives interviewed witnesses at the residence and executed search warrants, Rintala said.

The deceased student had gathered at the residence the evening before, in what was identified as a “crowd” event for the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, Rintala said. Many of the candidates, including those who drank alcohol, had consumed alcohol, including the deceased student, Rintala said.

Three NAU students and members of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity were arrested and booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility on suspicion of criminal hazing charges, Rintala said.

They were identified as Carter Eslick, 20, the fraternity’s newest member teacher; Ryan Creech, 20, fraternity vice president; and Riley Cass, 20, fraternity treasurer. All were members of the fraternity’s executive board, Rintala said.

In a statement on Jan. 31, the university announced the interim suspension of the Delta Tau Delta chapter as school officials investigate student conduct separate from the criminal investigation.

Counseling and support resources were available to faculty and staff, the university said.

“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’s statement said. “We want to be clear: the safety and well-being of our students remains our highest priority. Violence, hazing or any behavior that endangers others has no place at NAU.”

The national fraternity, which oversees the local chapter, released a statement on Feb. 1.

Jack Kreiman, CEO of Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity, said in a prepared statement that the organization was “aware and deeply saddened” by the student’s death and confirmed that the Theta Omega chapter at NAU has been placed on interim suspension.

“Our position on hazing is clear: it is antithetical to fraternity and a violation of Delta Tau Delta’s values,” Kreman said.

He added that the chapter is prohibited from holding activities while a law enforcement investigation and internal fraternity review is underway, and members are encouraged to cooperate with authorities.

The fraternity said it would not provide further details about the student who was arrested or died.

Rintala said detectives were continuing to follow up on leads, review evidence and coordinate with the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause and manner of death.

“Out of respect for the family of the deceased and pending the findings of the investigation, no further details will be released at this time,” he said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Flagstaff Police Department at 928-774-1414 or Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.

This article originally appeared in the Arizona Republic: Northern Arizona University student dead, 3 fraternity officers arrested