Southern University student Caleb Wilson passed away while he was partaking in an alleged Omega Psi Phi fraternity ritual on February 27. And though initial reports stated that the incident happened at a Baton Rouge BREC park, it appears that was not the case as the WAFB I-TEAM reported that the fraternity members fabricated that side of the story.
Sources familiar with the investigation into the fatal incident told the news outlet that Wilson and other Omega Psi Phi pledges were actually at a Baton Rouge warehouse when he collapsed after being punched in the chest.
The fraternity ritual that allegedly caused Wilson’s death was said to be unauthorized. The sources said that the deceased 20-year-old and eight other pledges had formed a line, and all of them were allegedly made to take chest punches.
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Wilson is said to have collapsed and suffered a seizure after he was punched. Fraternity brothers ultimately took him to Baton Rouge General where he was pronounced dead.
In the wake of the fatal incident, the fraternity brothers held a meeting at a secret place to go over what had happened, the sources said. That was when the claim about Wilson collapsing at a park was fabricated, the WAFB I-TEAM reported. The sources also said that the fraternity members involved in the ritual were never at the park.
Wilson’s cause of death is yet to be disclosed. Meanwhile, Southern University in a statement on Tuesday said it is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wilson’s death.
“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 said.
“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.”
The statement added: “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.”
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