20-Year-Old Southern University Student Killed During Fraternity Ritual Off Campus

Lifestyle
Paul Johns
March 2, 2025
9 minutes read

(WLBT 3 On Your Side)

A 20-year-old student at Southern University tragically died while participating in an off-campus fraternity ritual, authorities confirmed. Caleb Wilson, a junior studying mechanical engineering, was pledging the Omega Psi Phi fraternity when he collapsed during an initiation exercise. The ritual reportedly required students to stand in line for an extended period.

Wilson became unresponsive and was rushed to a local hospital by friends on Thursday, February 27. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The Baton Rouge Police Department has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. According to Fox 8, Wilson’s father, Corey Wilson, is a well-known law enforcement figure in the area.

In response to the tragedy, Southern University issued a statement expressing condolences and confirming its cooperation with authorities. “Southern University and A&M College are 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,” the university said. The statement also confirmed that the school is fully cooperating with the ongoing police investigation. As a precautionary measure, Southern University has halted all fraternity recruitment and initiation activities on campus.

While existing members may continue fraternity-related events, no new pledges will be added until further notice. Wilson’s father, a retired sergeant from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, has received an outpouring of support from law enforcement colleagues. The department released a statement mourning the loss of his son.

“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 Caleb. Dep. Wilson retired last year as a sergeant after serving 35 years with the JPSO,” the statement read.

As the investigation continues, questions remain about the nature of the fraternity ritual and whether hazing played a role in Wilson’s death. Authorities have not yet released an official cause of death, and no charges have been filed at this time.

Wilson’s passing has sent shockwaves through the Southern University community, with students and faculty mourning the loss of a promising young scholar whose life was cut tragically short.