A horrific fraternity hazing incident at Northern Arizona University has claimed the life of 18-year-old freshman Colin Daniel Martinez, who died of alcohol poisoning after being forced to down massive amounts of vodka at a Delta Tau Delta party, an autopsy revealed Monday.
Martinez’s blood-alcohol content measured a staggering 0.425 per cent, over five times Arizona’s legal limit for driving and far beyond what is considered survivable.
The young student was among four pledges participating in a so-called “rush” event, where they were coerced into drinking until vomiting.
Witnesses tried to help
Court documents and witness statements paint a tragic picture: students reportedly monitored Martinez throughout the night, adjusting his sleeping position, checking his pulse, and even searching online for signs of alcohol poisoning.
By the time authorities were called at 9 a.m. on Jan. 31, Martinez could not be resuscitated despite CPR efforts at the scene.
Fraternity leaders under investigation
Three Delta Tau Delta leaders, Carter Eslick (New Member Educator), Ryan Creech (Vice President), and Riley Cass (Treasurer) — all 20 at the time, have been arrested on suspicion of hazing. The Coconino County Attorney’s Office is reviewing whether formal charges will be filed.
University reacts
Following Martinez’s death, Northern Arizona University suspended the fraternity, and the national Delta Tau Delta organization voted to close the NAU chapter. The university emphasized its commitment to anti-hazing policies, stating:
“Violence, hazing or any other behavior that endangers others has no place at NAU. The university has robust hazing prevention training and requirements, and high standards for the conduct of all NAU-associated organizations and students.”
Delta Tau Delta condemned the incident, reiterating that hazing “is the antithesis of brotherhood” and a violation of the fraternity’s values.
