Fraternity Members Charged in Connection with Student’s Death at Northern Arizona University
In a tragic incident that has shaken the Northern Arizona University community, three fraternity members have been arrested following the death of a student. This development has brought the issue of hazing into focus once again.
Authorities in Flagstaff responded to an emergency call at a residence near Pine Knoll Drive and Lone Tree Road just before 9 a.m. on Saturday. Upon arrival, they found an 18-year-old male student unresponsive. Despite the efforts of bystanders who performed CPR, the student showed no signs of breathing when emergency services arrived.
The deceased student had reportedly participated in a Delta Tau Delta fraternity rush event the night before. Police accounts indicate that alcohol consumption was prevalent among attendees, including the victim and other potential fraternity members.
In response to the incident, three members of Delta Tau Delta’s executive board at NAU have been taken into custody. Ryan Creech, the fraternity’s Vice President; Carter Eslick, the New Member Educator; and Riley Cass, the Treasurer, all aged 20, were arrested. They face charges of hazing, a serious offense under Arizona law.
Arizona legislation classifies hazing as a Class 1 misdemeanor or a Class 4 felony when it results in death.
The university has expressed its deep sorrow over the loss and confirmed its active cooperation with the ongoing investigation. NAU has also suspended the fraternity pending a review under its student conduct policies, emphasizing that this is distinct from the legal proceedings.
“We want to be clear: The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priorities,” stated an NAU spokesperson. “Violence, hazing or any other behavior that endangers others has no place at NAU.”
Support services, including counseling, have been made available to the university’s students and staff.
The investigation is still in progress, with Flagstaff police following new leads and examining evidence. The Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office will be responsible for determining the official cause of death.
Respecting the family’s privacy and the sensitive nature of the investigation, authorities have withheld the victim’s identity and further details.
Individuals with any information related to the case are encouraged to contact the Flagstaff Police Department at 928-774-1414 or reach out to Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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