What happened
Police were called to a Flagstaff house early Saturday after people at the scene found an 18-year-old student unresponsive. Bystanders were performing CPR when officers arrived; paramedics later pronounced the student dead at the residence. Authorities identified the victim only as a Northern Arizona University student.
Rush event and alcohol
Investigators say a rush event for the Delta Tau Delta fraternity took place at the house the night before. Multiple attendees, including pledge candidates, reportedly drank alcohol during that gathering, according to police statements.
Searches, interviews and arrests
Detectives executed search warrants at the home and spoke with witnesses as part of the inquiry. Those interviews led to the arrest of three members of the fraternity’s executive board on hazing charges. The men — 20-year-olds Ryan Creech (vice president), Carter Eslick (new member educator) and Riley Cass (treasurer) — were booked into jail.
Court proceedings so far
All three defendants appeared in court the following morning. They were assigned public defenders, entered no pleas at the hearing, and were released on bail under conditions that bar them from contacting one another or any victims. A pretrial conference is scheduled for Feb. 19.
Local authorities and university response
The Coconino County attorney’s office said it has not yet received the full case for formal review but is coordinating closely with Flagstaff police as the investigation continues. Northern Arizona University called the death a devastating loss, confirmed the arrests, and said the incident occurred at an off-campus residence connected to Delta Tau Delta.
University actions
NAU said student safety is its top priority and that hazing or any behavior that endangers people has no place on campus. The school announced it is suspending the fraternity chapter while it looks into potential violations of university policy.
Legal context
Arizona made hazing a criminal offense in 2022, a change prompted by the 2012 death of Jack Culolias, a freshman at Arizona State University. Under state law, hazing that leads to death is treated as a Class 4 felony. The Culolias case involved excessive drinking at a pledge event and his subsequent drowning after leaving the gathering.
What’s next
Investigators continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses. With criminal and university processes moving forward, more details may emerge as the case is reviewed and brought before the courts.
