Police in Baton Rouge, Louisiana are investigating whether a fraternity episode may have played a role in the recent death of a 20-year-old Southern university student, university officials said Wednesday.
Caleb Wilson of New Orleans passed away at 12:27am on February 27th. The university's investigation into his death began after rumors of “unlicensed off-campus activities” began to swell. The University, Southern University and the University of Agriculture and Mechanical University, announced on social media. The activity is believed to have been organized by the Beta Sigma branch of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the university said.
“We have been informed that local authorities have begun investigating this tragic incident,” Fraternity said in a February 28th statement on its website.
The coroner's office said the “cause and attitude” of Wilson's death is still under investigation. The Baton Rouge Police Department, which is investigating Wilson's death, did not immediately respond to emails or calls on Wednesday for additional information.
“The off-campus incident is believed to have contributed to Caleb's death,” school prime minister John K. Pierre said in a Facebook message on February 27th. “Southern University is fully working with the Baton Rouge Police Department.”
It is unclear whether Mr. Wilson was a member of the fraternity.
Wilson was a junior at Southern University, a historically black institution, and majored in mechanical engineering. He was also a member of the “Human Jukebox” Marching Band, the school's prestigious university music group that embraced dance and music and performed at the Super Bowl and the president's inception.
“This tragic loss leaves a gap in our Jaguar family,” the school said, referring to the university's mascot. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Caleb's family, friends, classmates and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Southern University also said it began the “student judicial process” in the aftermath of Wilson's death.
“Caleb was a bright and talented young man with a promising future ahead of him,” his family said in a statement provided to local television station WAFB. “We are committed to seeking the truth about Caleb's death and ensuring that other families must endure such tragedy.”
A candlelight honoring his life took place on campus on Friday evening.
In recent years, there has been crackdowns on fraternity in schools across the country, and several states have passed laws to address the issue.
Earlier this year, four San Diego State fraternity members were charged with felony charges after their pledges burned during a party skit last year.
Two men indicted in 2017 who died in Pennsylvania State sophomore Hayes in October were sentenced to two to four months in prison.
