Three members of a Northern Arizona University fraternity were arrested on Saturday when an 18-year-old student was found dead after a “rush” event for organization.
Carter Eslick, 20; Ryan Creech, 20; and Riley Cass, 20; have all been charged with hazing, the Flagstaff Police Department said.
Investigators said they were called to a residence just off the NAU campus shortly before 9 a.m. on Saturday and found “bystanders” had initiated CPR on the student. Officer “continued life-saving measures on scene” until the arrival of paramedics, who pronounced him dead.
Police said they were still investigating the incident and waiting a report from the medical examiner’s office for cause and manner of death, implying that there could be further charges.
All three of the men arrested are members of the executive board of the university’s chapter of Delta Tau Delta. Eslick is listed as new member educator, Cass is treasurer, and Creech is vice president.
According to KPNX, the university placed the fraternity on an “interim suspension” as school officials conduct their own investigation. The university also said it was providing counseling and support services.
“We appreciate the diligence of the Flagstaff Police Department as they work to establish the facts and pursue accountability, and NAU stands ready to support the investigation as it unfolds,” the university statement said. “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.”
The national fraternity also issued a statement saying it was “deeply saddened” by the student’s death while at a rush event of their NAU chapter.
“Our position on hazing is clear: It is the antithesis of brotherhood and a violation of the values of Delta Tau Delta,” Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity CEO Jack Kreman said.
No further information has been released.
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[Featured image: Ryan Creech, Riley Cass, and Carter Eslick/Coconino County Sheriff’s Office]
