Image: from ABC15 Arizona X @abc15
CAMPUS TRAGEDY
By Open Chronicle Staff with Agencies | March 11, 2026
FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA — A night intended for “brotherhood” has ended in a devastating loss for the Northern Arizona University (NAU) community. Colin Daniel Martinez, an 18-year-old freshman, died after being allegedly forced to consume lethal amounts of alcohol during a Delta Tau Delta fraternity “rush” event.
An autopsy report revealed Martinez had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.425%, more than five times the legal driving limit and a level universally recognized as life-threatening.
A NIGHT OF RITUAL AND NEGLIGENCY
According to police investigations, the initiation rite involved Martinez and three other pledges who were instructed to consume large quantities of vodka until they vomited.
Court documents detail a timeline of critical failures:
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3:00 a.m.: Students noticed Martinez snoring loudly, a sign of alcohol-induced respiratory depression.
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Delayed Response: Instead of calling 911, those present reportedly searched the internet for alcohol poisoning symptoms and attempted to monitor his pulse themselves.
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Emergency Arrival: By the time paramedics were finally summoned hours later, Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene despite resuscitation efforts.
LEGAL FALLOUT: “JACK’S LAW”
Flagstaff Police have arrested three fraternity leaders, Carter Eslick, Ryan Creech, and Riley Cass, on suspicion of prohibited hazing. The case is being prosecuted under “Jack’s Law,” a strict 2022 Arizona statute that criminalizes hazing with penalties of up to 3.75 years in prison.
“This is a very serious case, and we are reviewing it with great care,” stated Coconino County Deputy Attorney Michael Tunink, emphasizing an independent evaluation of the evidence.
PERMANENT CLOSURE
The national headquarters of Delta Tau Delta has announced the permanent closure of the NAU chapter. Jack Kreman, CEO of the Indianapolis-based organization, called the behavior “antithetical” to the fraternity’s values and an “egregious violation of trust.”
UNIVERSITY RESPONSE
NAU issued a statement expressing profound devastation over the loss. “Safety and the well-being of our students are our highest priorities. Violence and hazing have no place at NAU,” the institution declared, promising reinforced security protocols and a zero-tolerance policy for Greek life misconduct.