A 20-year-old Southern University student, Caleb Wilson, died early Thursday morning after collapsing during an off-campus fraternity ritual.
Related: North Carolina Middle School Abruptly Cancels Classes After Dead Body Is Found On Campus
20-Year-Old Student Collapses During Off-Campus Event
Wilson, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering, was reportedly unresponsive when friends brought him to Baton Rouge General Hospital. Doctors pronounced him dead shortly after his arrival.
According to WAFB 9News, Wilson was with friends at a community park off-campus before they took him to the hospital. Reports suggest that members of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity allegedly conducted a ritual in which pledges stood in line when Wilson collapsed.
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The Baton Rouge Police Department was notified by hospital officials at 3:15 a.m. regarding the incident, launching an investigation into his death.
An autopsy is being performed to determine the exact cause of death.
Southern University Releases Statement Following Incident
Southern University has suspended all campus membership activities, including those of fraternities, sororities, and student clubs, until further notice.
The school also issued a statement:
“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. Southern is cooperating fully with the Baton Rouge Police Department, which is in charge of the investigation. No further information is available at this time.
The university also provides counseling services for students, faculty, and staff during this time.
Police Continue Investigation As Family Mourns Loss Of Caleb Wilson
Wilson was an active member in Southern University’s famous marching band, the “Human Jukebox”. Reports stated that Wilson’s father was a long-time high-ranking deputy officer.
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office issued a statement offering condolences to the Wilson family:
“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 Caleb. Dep. Wilson retired last year as a sergeant after serving 35 years with the JPSO. Dep. Wilson’s commitment to public service has continued with him currently serving in a part-time capacity. The JPSO stands in support of Dep. Wilson and his family. We ask that their privacy be respected as they mourn this unimaginable loss.”
