Fraternity Hazing Incident Claims Life of Southern University Student

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – An investigation into the death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson has revealed that initial reports about his collapse at a local park were fabricated, sources informed the WAFB I-TEAM on Tuesday.

According to sources familiar with the ongoing inquiry, Wilson, 20, was participating in an unsanctioned fraternity ritual with Omega Psi Phi at a Baton Rouge warehouse when he was punched in the chest by a fellow pledge. This incident occurred while nine pledges were lined up, each allegedly forced to endure blows to the chest.

Shortly after being struck, Wilson reportedly collapsed and began seizing. He was later pronounced dead at Baton Rouge General Hospital.

Wilson, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering from Kenner, Louisiana, was also a member of the university’s marching band, known as the Human Jukebox. After the incident, his fraternity brothers transported him to the hospital but then gathered at an undisclosed location to allegedly concoct a cover story about his collapse occurring at a park.

Sources indicated that none of the students participating in the ritual were at the park, contradicting the initial narrative. The Baton Rouge Police Department launched an investigation after hospital staff reported Wilson’s death.

While several individuals are believed to be involved in the fraternity ritual, the level of involvement among these students varies. Initial autopsy results failed to determine a cause of death, prompting further testing.

In response to this situation, Southern University issued a statement on March 4 regarding the hazing investigation, acknowledging the severe implications of such incidents on student safety and well-being.