NAU Fraternity Tragedy: Former Student Indicted in Hazing Case
In a sobering development from Northern Arizona University, a former student is now facing legal action following the tragic death of a fraternity pledge. The incident has sparked a series of investigations and raised pressing questions about campus safety and fraternity practices.
Following the January death of Colin Martinez, a Coconino County grand jury indicted Carter Eslick, a former student at NAU, on a felony hazing charge. The indictment is grounded on the accusation of encouraging the consumption of harmful substances, which, under Arizona law, is classified as a class 4 felony.
As the pledge master of the now-disbanded Delta Tau Delta fraternity, Eslick was allegedly involved in a rush event where Martinez consumed a dangerous amount of alcohol, leading to his death from alcohol poisoning. The fraternity’s chapter was permanently dissolved following the tragic incident on January 30, 2026.
The tragedy prompted the arrest of three fraternity leaders, including Eslick, on hazing suspicions. After their initial court appearances, they were released, and the Flagstaff police have continued their investigation, collecting evidence and conducting interviews. These findings were submitted to the attorney’s office for an independent evaluation to consider potential charges.
County Attorney Ammon Barker expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “The loss of a young person is always a tragedy. Our hearts are with Colin Martinez’s family, and we will diligently pursue this case toward a just resolution.”
The allegations against Eslick claim that he “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly caused or coerced Colin Martinez to consume substances posing a substantial risk of death, resulting in his death.” The case is set to proceed with arraignment and additional court hearings.
While Eslick faces charges, the two other fraternity leaders arrested are not charged in connection with Martinez’s death. Meanwhile, NAU has confirmed Eslick is no longer a student and has commissioned an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The university aims to glean insights and bolster preventive measures against such tragedies.
NAU released a statement conveying their sorrow and commitment to enhancing community safety, saying, “The passing of the NAU student is a loss that has shaken our entire community. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all who loved him. We are committed to learning everything we can from this heartbreaking loss and to ensuring our community is protected by the strongest possible standards of education, prevention and accountability.”
An autopsy revealed that Colin Daniel Martinez’s blood alcohol content was over five times the legal limit at the time of his death, confirming alcohol poisoning as the cause. This case underscores the critical need for stringent measures in university environments to prevent such incidents in the future.
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