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Fraternity Leader at NAU Charged with Hazing in Student's Alcohol Death
Carter Eslick, the pledge master, is accused of causing or forcing the drinking that led to the death of 18-year-old Colin Daniel Martinez.
Mar. 28, 2026 at 11:04am
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The pledge master for a fraternity at Northern Arizona University, Carter Eslick, has been indicted on a felony hazing charge involving the death of 18-year-old student Colin Daniel Martinez. Martinez died on January 31 after a night of drinking at an off-campus fraternity rush event. An autopsy found he died of alcohol poisoning with a blood alcohol level more than five times the legal limit.
Why it matters
The tragic death of a young student has shaken the NAU community and raised concerns about hazing and binge drinking within fraternities. The case highlights the dangers of fraternity initiation rituals and the need for stronger oversight and accountability to prevent such incidents.
The details
According to court documents, Martinez was among four fraternity candidates who shared two bottles of vodka to ensure they vomited during the rush event. Witnesses reported checking on Martinez throughout the night and looking up symptoms of alcohol poisoning, but he was found unresponsive and died at the scene. Two other fraternity members were also arrested, but only Eslick was charged with the felony hazing count.
- On January 31, 2026, Colin Daniel Martinez was found unresponsive at an off-campus fraternity house and died at the scene.
- On March 28, 2026, Carter Eslick, the fraternity's pledge master, was indicted on a felony hazing charge related to Martinez's death.
The players
Carter Eslick
The pledge master for the Delta Tau Delta fraternity at Northern Arizona University, who was indicted on a felony hazing charge related to the alcohol-related death of student Colin Daniel Martinez.
Colin Daniel Martinez
An 18-year-old student at Northern Arizona University who died of alcohol poisoning after a fraternity rush event on January 31, 2026.
Delta Tau Delta
The fraternity at Northern Arizona University where the hazing incident leading to Martinez's death occurred. The university suspended the fraternity, and the national organization later voted to shutter the NAU chapter.
Ammon Barker
The Coconino County Attorney who stated that the loss of a young person is always a tragedy.
Josh Blumenrich
The attorney representing Carter Eslick, the fraternity leader charged with hazing.
What they’re saying
“The loss of a young person is always a tragedy.”
— Ammon Barker, Coconino County Attorney
What’s next
Prosecutors have not yet indicated whether they will ask a grand jury to charge the two other fraternity members who were arrested along with Eslick. The case is ongoing, and the university has suspended the fraternity chapter.
The takeaway
This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for fraternities to address the dangerous culture of hazing and binge drinking that can lead to the loss of young lives. It underscores the responsibility of Greek life organizations to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of their members and candidates.
