A Northern Arizona University student found dead in a fraternity house had been drinking a large amount of vodka during an event, and some partygoers suspected he may have suffered alcohol poisoning, according to court documents released Monday.
Witnesses told police that some people looked up symptoms of alcohol poisoning online after hearing the 18-year-old snoring loudly around 3 a.m. Saturday, adjusted his sleeping position and checked his pulse and breathing, the documents said. About six hours later, the student was found unconscious, police said in documents detailing the reasons for the arrest of three fraternity members.
People at the Delta Tau Delta house performed CPR on him and the student was not breathing when officers arrived, police said Saturday. Police said officers continued life-saving measures until paramedics arrived, but the student, whose name has not been released, died at the scene.
Three 20-year-old fraternity leaders — new member Carter Eslick, vice president Ryan Creech and treasurer Riley Cass — have been arrested on felony charges. HazingThe police said. Lawyers representing each of them did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment. Home phone numbers for the three were not immediately located.
According to documents, Cass placed the victim on an air mattress on his side Friday night and remained near him until approximately 6 a.m. The student was last heard speaking late Friday and was discovered unresponsive at 8:44 a.m. Saturday, documents state.
The victim and three other people identified as candidates to join the fraternity were walking around and sharing two large bottles of vodka to ensure they vomited, although some witnesses told investigators they believed the vodka was diluted with water, the documents said.
Trish Lees, spokeswoman for the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office, said the cause of death is under investigation.
The international leader of the group, based in Indiana, said the group encourages its members to participate in the investigation into the student’s death and is committed to understanding the reasons that led to it.
“Our position on harassment is clear: it is the antithesis of brotherhood and a violation of Delta Tau Delta values,” Jack Creman, the fraternity’s CEO, said in a statement.
The Northern Arizona fraternity chapter has been temporarily suspended while the school conducts its own investigation focused on its policies, the university said. The university said in a statement that it has robust harassment prevention training and requirements.
“We want to be clear: The safety and well-being of our students remains our top priority. Violence, harassment, or other behavior that puts others in danger has no place at NAU.”