NAU Freshman Dies from Alcohol Poisoning in Fraternity Hazing

An 18-year-old freshman at Northern Arizona University died from acute alcohol poisoning after consuming excessive amounts of vodka during a fraternity rush event in Flagstaff, Arizona, according to an autopsy report released on March 9, 2026. Colin Daniel Martinez was found unresponsive on January 31, 2026, at an off-campus residence and could not be resuscitated despite emergency efforts.

The Coconino County Medical Examiner's report detailed that Martinez's blood-alcohol concentration measured 0.425 percent at the time of his death, more than five times Arizona's legal driving limit of 0.08 percent and a level medical experts recognize as potentially fatal. Court documents indicate the incident occurred during a gathering organized by the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, where Martinez and three other prospective members were required to drink large quantities of vodka as part of an initiation ritual intended to induce vomiting. The four candidates shared two bottles of the liquor, though some witnesses reported the mixture may have been diluted with water.

Investigators described the practice as a form of hazing, which is prohibited under Arizona state law. Witnesses at the event...