BREAKING NEWS: Louisiana college student's death being investigated as a hazing, school says

 

The death of a student at Southern University in Louisiana last week is being investigated as a hazing, according to the school.

Caleb Wilson, a band member at Southern University and A&M College, died during an off-campus incident, university Chancellor John K. Pierre confirmed in a statement. The university is conducting an internal investigation and cooperating with Baton Rouge Police, he said.

The New Orleans junior died at an off-campus fraternity event, local media outlets WVUE and WDSU reported.

"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 university said in a statement Tuesday. "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."

The university said it has temporarily banned all membership intake for student organizations until further notice. The school is also requiring all student groups undergo anti-hazing training and warned that any policy breaches will prompt disciplinary sanctions.

Student died during off-campus fraternity event

Wilson had been participating in a ritual with members of Omega Psi Phi at North Sherwood Forest Community Park, according to WVUE-TV.

Citing police, WVUE reported that Wilson and other pledges stood in a line as part of the initiation process when he suddenly collapsed. He was rushed to a Baton Rouge hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:15 a.m. Feb 28, WVUE reported. 

When reached by phone, Omega Psi Phi declined to comment. 

Remembering Caleb: Marching band, family, officials mourn loss of student

Wilson was majoring in mechanical engineering and was a member of the university’s “Human Jukebox” marching band, according to the university’s chancellor. 

The marching band shared thoughts on his passing, calling him “an incredible part of our Jaguar family,” as well as “a talented trumpet player, a dedicated student, and a bright soul.”

He also attended Pilgrim Baptist Church in Kenner.

“Caleb’s music was a gift to us all,” the church wrote, sharing a video of him performing.

According to the WDSU, Wilson’s father, Corey Wilson, retired from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office in 2024 after working there for 35 years. The office issued a statement following his son’s death.

"On behalf of Sheriff Joseph Lopinto, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office extends its condolences to Deputy Corey Wilson and his family following the heartbreaking loss of his son,” the statement read. “We ask that their privacy be respected as they mourn this unimaginable loss."

Wilson's family said in a statement on Feb. 28 that they're grateful for the kind words from the community and described Wilson as bright, talented and had a promising future.

"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," the family said. "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."