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A tragic incident unfolded in January when a fraternity hazing ritual reportedly led to the death of a college freshman, who was coerced into consuming a dangerous amount of alcohol. This event has sparked arrests, a criminal investigation, and the permanent closure of the fraternity chapter involved.
Colin Daniel Martinez, an 18-year-old student, passed away on January 31 after attending a “rush” event hosted by the Delta Tau Delta fraternity near Northern Arizona University. An autopsy report, reviewed by Fox News Digital, confirmed that his death resulted from alcohol poisoning. His blood-alcohol content was recorded at 0.425%, which is over five times the legal limit for driving and considered a potentially lethal level.
Investigations reveal that Martinez took part in a fraternity initiation activity the night before he was discovered unresponsive. This event has raised significant concerns about the safety and practices surrounding fraternity events.
The residence associated with the Delta Tau Delta chapter, where the unfortunate event took place, stands as a somber reminder of the potential dangers linked to such hazing practices.
Authorities continue to delve deeper into this case as they seek justice and aim to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Students at the house reportedly heard him snoring loudly around 3 a.m., hours before 911 was called. According to court documents, others adjusted his position, checked his pulse and searched online for symptoms of alcohol poisoning before emergency crews were contacted. Bystanders were performing CPR when first responders arrived, but Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators allege Martinez and three other prospective members were instructed to consume large amounts of vodka as part of a rite to join the fraternity, with the expectation they would drink until they vomited.
Booking photos of Ryan Creech, Carter Eslick and Riley Cass appear over an image of a Delta Tau Delta fraternity house near Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. The three were arrested on suspicion of hazing after freshman Colin Daniel Martinez died of alcohol poisoning following a fraternity rush event. (Fox 10 Phoenix)
Police later arrested three fraternity leaders, Carter Eslick, Ryan Creech and Riley Cass, on suspicion of hazing.Â
The Coconino County Attorney’s Office confirmed the case has been submitted for charging review and said prosecutors are conducting an independent evaluation of the evidence to determine whether charges are appropriate under Arizona law.
“This is a very serious case, and we are reviewing it with great care,” Chief Deputy County Attorney Michael Tunink said in a statement, adding that the office is continuing to work with the Flagstaff Police Department to ensure all available information has been gathered.
Tunink said no court date has been set and declined further comment, citing ethical rules that limit what prosecutors can say about a pending investigation.
Investigators examined a residence near NAU after a freshman died following a fraternity rush event in January. (Fox 10 Phoenix)
Hazing was criminalized in Arizona in 2022 under “Jack’s Law,” which allows offenders to face prison sentences of up to 3.75 years, according to Fraternal Law.
At the time of Martinez’s death, Northern Arizona University said it was “mourning the tragic death of a student” and called the loss devastating for the campus community.
Students walk along a sun-dappled pedestrian pathway on the Northern Arizona University (NAU) campus in Flagstaff, Arizona on Sept. 10, 2025. (iStock)
“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 university said in a statement. The school suspended the Delta Tau Delta chapter while it conducted its own review.
Last month, Delta Tau Delta’s national leadership announced it had permanently closed the NAU chapter, citing what CEO Jack Kreman described as a violation of the fraternity’s “unwavering” zero-tolerance policy on hazing.
Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, where an 18-year-old freshman died after attending a fraternity rush event. (Fox 10 Phoenix)
“Our zero-tolerance policy on hazing is an unwavering commitment, and when that commitment is violated, we will act with resolve,” Kreman said.
“Hazing and reckless behavior are antithetical to everything our fraternity stands for and an egregious violation of the trust necessary for real brotherhood,” he added.
Kreman said the Indianapolis-based fraternity is cooperating fully with law enforcement and university officials and will reinforce safety protocols nationwide — including bystander intervention efforts, member education and partnerships with host institutions.
“The loss of a young man’s life is a tragedy without measure,” Kreman said. “On behalf of Delta Tau Delta, I extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and to all who loved him.”
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.