Three Northern Arizona University students and members of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity were arrested in connection with the death on Saturday, Jan. 31

Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University.Credit : Google Maps

 

A college student is dead after attending a fraternity event off-campus in Arizona.

At around 8:44 a.m. local time on Saturday, Jan. 31, police responded to reports of a male student, 18, of Northern Arizona University (NAU) “found unresponsive” at a residence on S. Pine Grove Road in Flagstaff, the Flagstaff Police Department (FPD) said in a news release.

“Bystanders inside the home initiated CPR prior to police arrival,” said the FPD. “Upon arrival, officers found the individual not breathing and continued life-saving measures on scene until paramedics arrived.”

The teenager was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives determined that the deceased student “attended a gathering at the residence the previous evening, identified as a ‘rush’ event for the Delta Tau Delta fraternity,” said the FPD, which is investigating the death.

Flagstaff Police Department

A Flagstaff police vehicle.Flagstaff Police Department/Facebook

Alcohol was reportedly consumed by several pledge members at the event, including the deceased student.

Three Delta Tau Delta fraternity members have since been arrested and charged with hazing in connection with the death. The FPD identified them as 20-year-old students, Carter Eslick, Ryan Creech, and Riley Cass.

Hazing is described as the act in which a person is forced to consume food or liquid, including alcohol or other substances, which may cause a substantial risk to their health.

“Detectives are continuing to follow up on additional leads, reviewing evidence, and coordinating with the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause and manner of death,” said the FPD.

Police tape

Police tape (stock image).Getty

NAU described the student’s death as a “devastating loss” in an official statement.

“We are aware that the FPD has announced criminal charges against three NAU students in connection with an incident that occurred at an off-campus residence associated with the Delta Tau Delta fraternity,” said NAU. “We appreciate the diligence of the FPD as they work to establish the facts and pursue accountability…”

The college said it will be supporting the police in their investigation, adding, “We want to be clear: The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priorities. Violence, hazing or any other behavior that endangers others has no place at NAU.”

Hazing is currently illegal in 44 out of 50 states in the U.S. An anti-hazing bill, also known as Jack’s Law, was established in Arizona in 2022, with punishment resulting in a person’s death, leading to up to 3.75 years in prison, according to Fraternal Law.

The FPD is asking anyone with information to contact them at 928-774-1414 or Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.

PEOPLE has contacted the FPD and Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office for further comment.