Pledges performed consuming video games earlier than NAU pupil’s demise in Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF, AZ (AZFamily) — New courtroom paperwork clarify how a bunch of Northern Arizona University fraternity pledges participated in heavy consuming video games, resulting in a pupil’s demise final week.

On Jan. 31, shortly earlier than 9 a.m., Flagstaff police acquired a report of an unresponsive individual on the Delta Tau Delta fraternity home close to Pine Knoll Drive and Lone Tree Road.

First responders arrived and pronounced the 18-year-old pupil useless on the scene. Court paperwork state a number of bottles of vodka and Twisted Teas had been discovered by responding officers.

Police say Carter Eslick, 20, the chapter’s New Member Educator; Ryan Creech, 20, its vp; and Riley Cass, 20, its treasurer, are all dealing with hazing‑associated expenses.

All three are government board members of the fraternity, the paperwork stated.

Investigators searched the fraternity’s Instagram and located a flyer promoting “Spring Rush 2026.” An “invite-only” dinner was hosted the evening earlier than the scholar’s demise, in line with courtroom paperwork.

One of the pledges reported to police that they had been advised to go house, get heat garments, pillowcases and cellphone chargers since “they would be heavily intoxicated.” Court paperwork said the pledge stated pillowcases had been put over their heads earlier than they had been taken to the fraternity house.

At the fraternity house, the 4 pledges, one among whom was the sufferer, had been advised to play a consuming recreation. Court papers say the 4 got a “handle of vodka” and needed to end it collectively, however it was unclear if it was crammed completely with vodka or diluted with water.

One pledge reportedly drank a 3rd of the bottle earlier than passing it to the opposite three pledges, police stated. After ending the bottle, all 4 vomited, courtroom paperwork said.

A second bottle was handed to the pledges, who completed that bottle as effectively. During the consuming video games, courtroom papers say the 4 drank round 3.5 liters of vodka.

Witnesses stated some folks within the fraternity had pretend IDs, however didn’t know who. It was additionally reported that older members of the fraternity purchased alcohol for underage members, police stated.

Authorities interviewed witnesses, who stated roughly 30 folks had been attending the social gathering, which concerned “heavy drinking.” Court paperwork alleged the sufferer was “heavily intoxicated” and was final heard from between 11 p.m. and midnight.

One individual reportedly left and returned to the home between midnight and 1 a.m. and recalled seeing the sufferer on an air mattress. According to courtroom paperwork, the sufferer had an “unusual snore breath” and started “gagging,” however didn’t throw up.

Police stated round 3 a.m., some in attendance started Googling “symptoms of alcohol poisoning,” whereas others began adjusting him and checking his pulse and respiration. However, police weren’t known as till round 9 a.m.

Court paperwork state the fraternity had a important Snapchat group to speak, and one which was for government board members solely. One member reportedly deleted his Snapchat, and as much as 20 others left the group, paperwork state.

In the manager board members’ group chat, Eslick reportedly advised different members that “alcohol was needed for the event,” police stated.

Cass advised authorities that he didn’t purchase alcohol for the occasion, and “supposed older members purchased the alcohol,” a portion of courtroom paperwork states.

Other fraternity members had been introduced in for questioning, and police finally arrested Cass, Eslick and Creech.

According to the Hazing Prevention Network, 55% of individuals in Greek life reported experiencing some type of hazing. The National Anti-Hazing Hotline will be reached at 1-888-NOT-HAZE.

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