Southern University Fraternity Lied About Where Pledge Death Occurred

Additional details have emerged regarding the death of Caleb Wilson, a Southern University student who died last week during a “fraternity ritual.” WAFB reports a source close to the situation said fraternity members initially fabricated important facts about what happened that night.

On Feb. 27, Wilson collapsed after being punched in the chest during an alleged ritual for Omega Psi Phi as a pledge. He was transported to Baton Rouge General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Originally, the fraternity members reported the situation took place off campus at a park. However, the source stated to WAFB that the ritual took place at a warehouse and none of the members were ever at the park that night.

They allegedly “gathered at an undisclosed location to discuss the events of the evening,” where they created the story that Wilson collapsed at the park. An investigation was launched shortly after his confirmed death and is ongoing.

Wilson was a junior at Southern University majoring in mechanical engineering. He was also a musician and a member of Human Jukebox, the school’s marching band. His family has shared his talents took him to performances in Europe and Cuba, and he even has played alongside Trombone Shorty.

“The loss of Caleb has left an unimaginable void in our hearts, but your kindness and compassion have provided some solace,” the Wilson family said in a statement. “Caleb was a bright and talented young man with a promising future ahead of him. His passion for life, his dedication to his studies, and his love for music and the Southern University ‘Human Jukebox’ Marching Band were just a few of the many qualities that made him an extraordinary person.”

The HBCU also issued a statement at the time of his death, writing, “Southern University and A&M College is 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.”