A Southern University student died following a hazing incident, raising concerns about fraternity and sorority culture on college campuses.
The student, identified as Caleb Wilson, a 20-year-old mechanical engineering junior at Southern University and a member of the university’s Human Jukebox Marching Band, died Feb. 27 following a hazing incident linked to members of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
Authorities report that Wilson and eight other pledges were participating in an off-campus initiation ritual at a warehouse, during which they were allegedly punched in the chest by fraternity members wearing boxing gloves.
Wilson collapsed after being struck four times, experienced a seizure, and became unresponsive. He was transported to a local hospital by fraternity members, who initially claimed he had collapsed while playing basketball at a public park. Despite medical efforts, Wilson was pronounced dead.
Caleb McCray, a 23-year-old Southern University graduate and member of the fraternity, surrendered to Baton Rouge police on charges of manslaughter and criminal hazing.
Authorities have obtained warrants for additional suspects and anticipate more arrests as the investigation continues.
The university has launched an internal investigation and is fully cooperating with local law enforcement. Several individuals involved in the event are under investigation, and charges may be filed pending the outcome of the inquiry.
In response to the incident, Southern University President Dennis Shields, J.D., ordered the fraternity to cease all activities and suspended all Greek organization new member activities for the academic year. The university has initiated disciplinary proceedings against several students involved.
Hazing has long been a contentious issue within collegiate Greek life nationwide. Despite strict anti-hazing policies, “underground” pledging rituals continue to persist in some organizations. This incident has reignited conversations about the dangers of such traditions and the need for more stringent oversight.
As the Southern University community mourns the loss of one of its own, students and faculty are calling for renewed efforts to educate and prevent hazing. Memorial services are being planned to honor the victim’s life, while university officials consider additional measures to curb hazing-related incidents in the future.
Wilson’s family expressed gratitude for the support received and is committed to seeking the truth about the circumstances surrounding his death. A second-line parade was held in New Orleans to honor Wilson, reflecting his involvement in the local music culture.
Kamaruee Womack, a freshman majoring in political science at Southern University, expressed how this tragic incident is a “wake up call.”
“I think that this is a wake up call for all colleges and universities because nobody is higher than anyone,” she said. “This could’ve been anyone’s brother, sister, student, mentor, but instead, it was Caleb. And if you ask anyone who knew him, they would admit his smile could light up a room. Harming someone is uncalled for in any case and our university needs to take immediate action.”
Devyn Jones, a sophomore majoring in elementary education at Southern University, expressed his concerns.
“I feel like it’s an unfortunate situation due to the known and unspoken hazing that is happening in fraternities and sororities, but most importantly because a child lost his life,” he said. “Those who love him have to live with that. Knowing that he couldn’t speak up and talk to someone is sad being that it’s so many people behind him. Those responsible know it’s wrong however no one is speaking up on the situation.”