Crime & justice

Three Fraternity Members Arrested After NAU Student Dies

Should universities abolish Greek life or reform it through accountability and expanded social options?

Published FEB 2

Three Fraternity Members Arrested After NAU Student Dies

Story

Above: Riley Cass, Ryan Creech, and Carter Eslick. Image credit: Coconino County Sheriff's Office via Fox10.

The Facts

An 18-year-old Northern Arizona University (NAU) student was found unresponsive at an off-campus residence Saturday morning around 8:45 a.m. Bystanders, officers and paramedics attempted life-saving measures, but the student was pronounced dead at the scene.
FOX News
The New York Times
The student had attended a Delta Tau Delta fraternity rush event at the residence on Friday night, with witnesses telling detectives that alcohol consumption occurred by numerous individuals in attendance, including pledge candidates.
New York Post
6abc Philadelphia
Three Delta Tau Delta executive board members were arrested and charged with hazing in connection with the student's death. The arrested individuals are Carter Eslick, Ryan Creech and Riley Cass, all 20 years old.
NBC
News Nation Now
NAU suspended the Delta Tau Delta fraternity chapter pending a full investigation and stated that violence, hazing or any other behavior that endangers others has no place at the institution.
New York Post
The New York Times
Arizona passed Jack's Law in 2022 making hazing a criminal offense, with hazing resulting in death classified as a Class 4 felony and carrying up to 3.75 years in prison. The law was enacted in honor of Jack Culolias, who died as a freshman at Arizona State University in 2012.
FOX News
NBC
Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity CEO Jack Kreman stated that hazing is the antithesis of brotherhood and a violation of the organization's values. The Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the student's cause and manner of death.
News Nation Now
New York Post

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Greek life perpetuates toxic masculinity, sexual violence and discrimination that runs counter to university values. Fraternities were founded on exclusivity and white supremacy, and despite claims of progress, they continue fostering environments where assault, hazing deaths and binge drinking thrive unchecked. Abolishing this antiquated system is the only solution.

Inside Higher Ed

The Loyola Maroon

Narrative B

Abolishing Greek life won't solve campus problems and risks creating unregulated underground organizations like those at Harvard and Princeton. Many chapters provide genuine acceptance, diversity and mental health support that students struggle to find elsewhere. Reform through accountability and expanded social options addresses real issues without destroying communities that serve students well.