Source: Wilson Family / Courtesy of Wilson Family
Caleb Wilson’s death during an alleged fraternity hazing incident Thursday is raising more questions than answers as new details come to light.
Wilson, a 20-year-old from Kenner, La., was a junior mechanical engineering student at Southern University in Baton Rouge and a member of the school’s marching band, the Human Jukebox. He was pledging Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
Initial reports stated Caleb Wilson died after collapsing at a local Baton Rouge recreation center while participating in an off-campus fraternity activity in the early morning hours of Thursday, Feb. 27. He was nonresponsive when he arrived at Baton Rouge General Hospital and was pronounced dead. The hospital notified the authorities at 3:15 a.m.
Initial autopsy results did not determine the cause and manner of death. Those results are pending further testing.
John K. Pierre, Chancellor of Southern University, issued a statement on Facebook Thursday afternoon sharing the news of Wilson’s death, saying in part:
It is with profound sadness that I share the devastating news of the passing of one of our students, Caleb Wilson.
Caleb, a junior from New Orleans majoring in mechanical engineering, was also a dedicated member of the Southern University “Human Jukebox” Marching Band. This tragic loss leaves a void in our Jaguar family, and our thoughts and prayers are with Caleb’s family, friends, classmates, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
An off-campus incident is believed to have contributed to Caleb’s death. Southern University is cooperating fully with the Baton Rouge Police Department, which is leading the investigation. At this time, no further details are available.
Pierre made no mention of the potential hazing involved in Wilson’s death.
The university announced Thursday that it was halting all “membership intake activities for all campus organizations” until further notice.
On Friday, Wilson’s family released the following statement:
On behalf of the Wilson family, we want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has offered their love, support, and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. The loss of Caleb has left an unimaginable void in our hearts, but your kindness and compassion have provided some solace.
Caleb was a bright and talented young man with a promising future ahead of him. His passion for life, his dedication to his studies, and his love for music and the Southern University “Human Jukebox” Marching Band were just a few of the many qualities that made him an extraordinary person.
We are committed to seeking the truth about the circumstances surrounding Caleb’s passing and ensuring that no other family has to endure such a tragedy. We appreciate the efforts of the Baton Rouge Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Southern University community, in their ongoing investigation and support.
As we navigate this painful journey, we ask for your continued prayers and respect for our privacy. We find comfort in knowing that Caleb’s spirit lives on in the memories we cherish and the love we hold for him.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support.
The international headquarters of Omega Psi Phi fraternity also issued a statement expressing sorrow and extending condolences to Caleb Wilson’s “family, friends, and all who were touched by him.”
The organization said it was aware of the investigation into Wilson’s death and said it would fully support “efforts to seek the truth.”
Currently, our foremost priority is standing in unwavering support of Caleb’s family. We have extended ourselves to them and are ready to assist in any way possible during this difficult time.
We recognize that many of you may have questions, and we are actively working to gather accurate information. In the meantime, we ask for your patience, your prayers, and solidarity as we honor Caleb’s memory and support those grieving his loss.
WAFB9 reported Tuesday that unidentified sources said Wilson was in a Baton Rouge warehouse — not at a park, as originally reported — along with other students at an “unsanctioned fraternity ritual” where nine pledges were made to stand in line and take punches to the chest. Wilson reportedly collapsed after being punched, and members of the fraternity took him to the hospital — where he was pronounced dead.
More from WAFB9:
Following the fraternity brothers bringing Wilson to the hospital, they allegedly gathered at an undisclosed location to discuss the events of the evening. Sources with direct knowledge of the investigation said that’s where the story was created that Wilson collapsed at a park. Those sources said none of the students participating in the fraternity ritual were ever at the park.
Hospital staff contacted police about the death, launching an investigation by the Baton Rouge Police Department.
Our sources say there are several individuals allegedly responsible for the fraternity ritual, but not all of them have the same level of involvement.
Initial autopsy results did not reveal a cause of death and further testing is being conducted.
On Tuesday, Southern University issued the following statement regarding the investigation into the hazing incident:
“Southern University and A&M College continues to hold in our thoughts the family and loved ones of Caleb Wilson. We are deeply saddened by the reports of actions that led to his unfortunate and unnecessary loss of life.
“The University is conducting an internal investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of this beloved student. Once the investigation is complete, we will take appropriate action. The University has implemented a ban on membership intake for all student organizations that remains in effect until further notice.
“Hazing is a violation of the University’s rules and regulations as well as Louisiana law, and it will not be tolerated in any form at Southern University. The well-being of our students is a part of our mission to provide an extraordinary education for thousands of students. We support punishment to the fullest extent of the law for anyone committing an act of violence that impedes a student from safely and successfully matriculating at Southern.
“Southern continues to actively support the ongoing criminal investigation by the Baton Rouge Police Department and the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s office into this alleged act of hazing involving members of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
“Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to reach out to talk to someone during this devastating time for our campus community. Mental health resources are available 24/7 at subr.edu/ucc.”
May Caleb Wilson rest in peace.
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