An Arizona college student died and three individuals were arrested following an off-campus fraternity event last weekend.
As reported by the Flagstaff Police Department, officers arrived at the scene around 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, after being alerted to an 18-year-old male student from Northern Arizona University (NAU) who was found “unresponsive” in a home on South Pine Grove Road. Bystanders had begun CPR prior to the police’s arrival, yet, unfortunately, the student was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Initially, authorities did not release the student’s identity. However, investigations revealed that he and others had attended a “rush” event for the Delta Tau Delta fraternity the night before, during which several were drinking.
Three fraternity members, identified as 20-year-old students Carter Eslick, Riley Cass, and Ryan Creech, were subsequently arrested and charged with hazing relating to the incident.
Hazing involves exposing individuals to potentially harmful conditions, which can lead to injury. Meanwhile, police are still investigating the student’s condition and cause of death.
NAU described the event as a “devastating loss,” expressing sympathy for the family and friends affected and emphasizing support for those grieving in the community.
The university noted that the Delta Tau Delta chapter on campus has been suspended, highlighting their commitment to student safety and the zero tolerance policy regarding violence and hazing.
Notably, under Arizona law, hazing will be classified as a crime beginning in 2022, as outlined in the JACK Act, with violators facing potential prison sentences of up to 3.75 years.
At the moment, the Flagstaff Police Department, along with the national chapter of Delta Tau Delta and NAU, has not provided any further comments regarding the situation.
