Southern University Student Dies During Fraternity Ritual

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) – Southern University student Caleb Wilson, 20, collapsed during an off-campus fraternity ritual Wednesday night and later died at a local hospital. The incident occurred at North Sherwood Forest Community Park, where members of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity were reportedly carrying out a ritual involving pledges standing in a line.

Friends rushed Wilson, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering from Kenner, Louisiana, to Baton Rouge General Hospital early Thursday morning, February 27. According to investigators, Wilson was unresponsive when he arrived at the hospital, which led to his immediate examination by medical staff.

Hospital personnel pronounced Wilson dead shortly after he arrived, at approximately 3:15 a.m., prompting a call to the Baton Rouge Police Department to initiate a death investigation. An autopsy is currently being performed to determine the cause of death.

In a statement released by Southern University, the administration acknowledged the tragic incident and extended their condolences to Wilson’s family, classmates, and friends. The statement highlighted Wilson’s involvement as a talented trumpet player in the Human Jukebox, the university’s marching band.

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Wilson is the son of a high-ranking law enforcement official in the New Orleans area. Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints, also expressed her condolences to Wilson’s family.

As this is an ongoing investigation, the specifics surrounding the fraternity ritual and circumstances of Wilson’s collapse remain unclear. Southern University stated it is fully cooperating with the Baton Rouge Police Department in their investigation.

The East Baton Rouge Parish coroner’s office reported that the cause and manner of death are pending autopsy results. Students at Southern University can access counseling services as they process the loss of their peer.

This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available.