Baton Rouge, LA – A 20-year-old Southern University student collapsed and later died while participating in an off-campus fraternity ritual, according to sources familiar with the case.
The student, identified as Caleb Wilson, was reportedly taking part in a ritual conducted by the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, in which pledges stand in line, when he suddenly collapsed. The exact circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation, and an autopsy is being performed to determine the cause.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Wilson, a native of Kenner, Louisiana, was a junior majoring in mechanical engineering and a member of the university’s renowned Human Jukebox marching band.
According to investigators, Wilson was unresponsive when a group of friends transported him to Baton Rouge General Hospital on Bluebonnet Boulevard in the early hours of Thursday, February 27. The group had been at North Sherwood Forest Community Park prior to taking him to the hospital.
Medical staff pronounced Wilson dead upon arrival and contacted the Baton Rouge Police Department at 3:15 a.m., prompting a formal death investigation. Authorities have not confirmed whether hazing played a role in the incident.
University Response and Condolences
Southern University issued a statement expressing condolences and confirming its cooperation with law enforcement:
“Southern University and A&M College is aware of an off-campus incident that may have resulted in the death of student Caleb Wilson, a junior from New Orleans majoring in mechanical engineering. The campus community extends condolences to his family, classmates, and loved ones.”
“Southern is cooperating fully with the Baton Rouge Police Department, which is in charge of the investigation. No further information is available at this time.”
The university also reminded students, faculty, and staff that counseling services are available for those in need of support.
Ongoing Investigation
As the Baton Rouge Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances leading to Wilson’s death, questions remain regarding the fraternity’s role in the incident. Authorities are expected to release further details following the autopsy report.
Wilson’s passing has sent shockwaves through the Southern University community, with classmates, fraternity members, and bandmates mourning the loss of a young student with a promising future.
