NAU Student Dies of Alcohol Poisoning After Fraternity Hazing

Autopsy reveals victim's blood-alcohol level was over 5 times the legal limit

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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An 18-year-old Northern Arizona University student, Colin Daniel Martinez, died of alcohol poisoning with a blood-alcohol level of 0.425% - more than five times the legal limit - after attending a fraternity rush event where he and other pledges were reportedly given handles of vodka to finish.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing problem of dangerous hazing practices at college fraternities, which can have deadly consequences. It also raises questions about fraternity oversight, campus alcohol policies, and the need for stronger measures to protect student safety.

The details

Police found Martinez unresponsive on January 31st at a home near the NAU campus, after he had attended a Delta Tau Delta fraternity rush event the previous night. Witnesses reported the pledges, including Martinez, were given a handle of vodka to finish together, and that Martinez drank more than a third of it before becoming ill. The group was then given a second handle, which Martinez drank more of than the others. Throughout the night, witnesses heard unusual sounds from Martinez indicating alcohol poisoning, but did not call 911 until he had stopped breathing.

  • On January 30th, Martinez attended a Delta Tau Delta fraternity rush event.
  • At 8:44 am on January 31st, police found Martinez unresponsive at a home near the NAU campus.

The players

Colin Daniel Martinez

An 18-year-old Northern Arizona University student who died of alcohol poisoning after a fraternity hazing event.

Delta Tau Delta

The fraternity that held the rush event where Martinez was given alcohol and later died.

Carter Eslick

A 20-year-old member of Delta Tau Delta's executive board who was arrested in connection with the incident.

Ryan Creech

A 20-year-old vice president of Delta Tau Delta who was arrested in connection with the incident.

Riley Cass

A 20-year-old treasurer of Delta Tau Delta who was arrested in connection with the incident.

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What’s next

Delta Tau Delta has suspended operations at NAU following the incident, and the three arrested fraternity members face charges of hazing. The university and local authorities will likely continue investigating the incident and determining if any additional measures need to be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking case underscores the urgent need for colleges and fraternities to take stronger action to eliminate dangerous hazing practices and ensure student safety. It's a tragic reminder that the consequences of such reckless behavior can be fatal.