Southern University Student Caleb Wilson Dies During Fraternity Ritual; Greek Activities Paused

A student and band member at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, died during an off-campus incident, an online statement from the University Chancellor John K. Pierre confirmed.

Caleb Wilson was a junior from New Orleans, the statement detailed.

“Southern University is cooperating fully with the Baton Rouge Police Department, which is leading the investigation.”, Pierre went on to say in the statement.

Police did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s requests for comment but Wilson reportedly died from an off-campus fraternity event this week, prompting the university to pause all membership and intake activities, according to local media outlets WVUE and WDSU.

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

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. Friday, WVUE reported.

An autopsy is underway, according to television station WDSU. The outlet added that Southern University and A&M College sent a letter to all fraternities, sororities and clubs on Southern University's campus.

The organizations have been ordered to stop membership intake activities until further notice to “ensure the safety and well-being" of the student body, WDSU reported.

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

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 as well, 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. “The JPSO stands in support of Dep. Wilson and his family. We ask that their privacy be respected as they mourn this unimaginable loss."

Congressman Troy A. Carter shared kind words for the student’s family.

“His life was tragically cut short, and I cannot begin to imagine the depth of your pain,” he wrote. “I will keep you and the entire community in my thoughts during this difficult time.”

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.