Fraternity Leader Charged in NAU Student's Alcohol Death

Pledge master indicted on felony hazing charge after 18-year-old's fatal alcohol poisoning

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:18am

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The pledge master of a fraternity at Northern Arizona University has been indicted on a felony hazing charge related to the alcohol-related death of an 18-year-old student in late January. The student, Colin Daniel Martinez, died of alcohol poisoning after a night of drinking at an off-campus fraternity rush event.

Why it matters

Hazing and excessive alcohol consumption at fraternity events have long been issues on college campuses, often resulting in serious injuries and tragic deaths. This case highlights the ongoing challenges universities face in addressing dangerous fraternity culture and holding leaders accountable for the safety of their members.

The details

According to court documents, Martinez was among four fraternity candidates who shared two bottles of vodka at the rush event to ensure they vomited. Witnesses reported checking on Martinez throughout the night and looking up symptoms of alcohol poisoning, but he was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy found his blood alcohol level was 0.425%, more than five times the legal limit for driving.

  • On January 31, 2026, 18-year-old Colin Daniel Martinez died after a night of drinking at an off-campus fraternity rush event.
  • On March 27, 2026, the pledge master of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, Carter Eslick, was indicted on a felony hazing charge related to Martinez's death.

The players

Carter Eslick

The pledge master of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity at Northern Arizona University, who was indicted on a felony hazing charge related to the alcohol-related death of a student.

Colin Daniel Martinez

An 18-year-old Northern Arizona University student who died of alcohol poisoning after a night of drinking at a fraternity rush event.

Delta Tau Delta

The fraternity at Northern Arizona University where the incident occurred, leading to the suspension of the chapter by the university and the national organization.

Ammon Barker

The Coconino County Attorney who announced the hazing charge against Eslick.

Josh Blumenrich

The attorney representing Carter Eslick.

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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 seek to charge the two other fraternity members who were arrested along with Eslick. The judge will also decide whether to grant bail for Eslick as the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing problem of hazing and dangerous drinking culture within fraternities, which have led to numerous student deaths on college campuses across the country. It underscores the need for universities and law enforcement to take stronger action to hold fraternity leaders accountable and protect student safety.