Hazing Hell: Frat Ritual Leaves Southern University Student Dead

The community of Southern University and A&M College just got a rough start to Spring Break 2025 with the recent death of a 20-year-old student who died following his involvement in an off-campus fraternity ritual under Omega Psi Phi.

Louisiana native Caleb Wilson, also a member of the school’s renowned Human Jukebox marching band, was recognized in a public statement made today (Feb 27) by Southern University Chancellor John K. Pierre. Read it in full below:

RELATED: Black Police Recruit Gets Legs Amputated After ‘Barbaric Hazing Ritual,’ Lawsuit Says

Take a look at more details on the incident that lead to Wilson’s death, via Baton Rouge’s WAFB:

“Wilson was unresponsive when a group of friends brought him to Baton Rouge General Hospital on Bluebonnet Boulevard early Thursday morning, Feb. 27.

The group had been at North Sherwood Forest Community Park prior to being brought to the hospital, investigators said.

Hospital staff pronounced the student dead and called Baton Rouge Police at 3:15 a.m., triggering a death investigation.

The Southern University Division of Student Affairs issued a statement putting an indefinite pause to all membership activities on campus including fraternities, sororities, and student clubs. This pause will remain in effect until further notice.”

The investigation is still in its early stages and is expected to be handled delicately being that Wilson’s father served for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, having retired as a sergeant just last year after three-and-a-half decades on the job. An official statement from the JPSO reads, “Dep. Wilson’s commitment to public service has continued with him currently serving in our Reserve Division. The JPSO stands in support of Dep. Wilson and his family. We ask that their privacy be respected as they mourn this unimaginable loss.“

We send our deepest condolences to all who knew Caleb Wilson, especially his Human Jukebox band family. See them in-action below last summer at the 2024 HBCU National Battle of the Bands: