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NAU Student, 18, Dies After Fraternity Rush as Three Delta Tau Delta Leaders Face Hazing Charges

Police cite alcohol use at an off-campus Delta Tau Delta event, with cause and manner of death pending.

Overview

  • Officers responded around 8:44 a.m. to a South Pine Grove Road residence, where the 18-year-old was pronounced dead as detectives executed search warrants and interviewed witnesses.
  • Investigators say the student attended a Delta Tau Delta rush the prior night where numerous attendees, including pledge candidates, reported consuming alcohol.
  • Executive board members Carter Eslick, Ryan Creech and Riley Cass, all 20, were arrested and booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility on criminal hazing counts.
  • Northern Arizona University and Delta Tau Delta International placed the NAU chapter on interim suspension while parallel criminal and student-conduct reviews continue.
  • The medical examiner has not yet determined the cause and manner of death; Arizona’s “Jack’s Law” permits hazing that results in death to be charged as a class 4 felony.