Southern University student collapses and dies during off-campus fraternity ritual

A 20-year-old Southern University marching band member collapsed and died during a fraternity ritual, according to police.

Caleb Wilson, a trumpeter in the school’s renowned Human Jukebox, died last Friday morning after an off-campus event at a local park with members of Omega Psi Phi, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department.

At the event, pledges were made to stand in line as part of an initiation process when Wilson suddenly collapsed, sources told Fox 8 Live. Police have not confirmed whether hazing was involved.

Friends rushed Wilson to Baton Rouge General Hospital where he was declared dead at 3:15 p.m., cops said. An autopsy will determine the cause of death.

“All that information the detectives will look at, and that will determine where we go,” said Sgt. L’Jean McKneely of the Baton Rouge Police Department.

In response to Wilson’s death, Southern University officials announced this week an indefinite pause on all membership activities on campus including fraternities, sororities and student clubs.

Wilson, of Kenner, La., was a member of the Human Jukebox, South University’s celebrated marching band, who posted a touching tribute to their late bandmate.

“A talented trumpet player, a dedicated student, and a bright soul, Caleb was a mechanical engineering major who poured his passion into both his studies and his time with the Human Jukebox,” the marching band said. “His energy, spirit, and impact on those around him will never be forgotten.”

The loss has left the close-knit Southern University community shaken.

“SU is a community where we take pride in bonding together and uplifting one another,” Southern student Christian Nunnery told Fox 8 Live. “It’s very unfortunate that this situation happened to one of our family members.”

“Everybody on campus loves the Human Jukebox, even people that don’t come here. I know it will be hard on them,” said another schoolmate Ma’Tajah Peterson.

Wilson’s death has even caught the attention of New Orleans Saints Owner Gayle Benson, who offered his condolences to Wilson’s family and in particular his father, a Sergeant with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office outside of New Orleans.

“Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and the entire Southern University community during this incredibly difficult time,” Benson said. “This tragic loss has hit very close to my heart as his father, Sergeant Corey Wilson, has worked with our team for many years. I have a deep and personal connection to his family.”

This is the second major tragedy to impact the Human Jukebox marching band in just over two years.

In Dec. 2022, three members of the marching band were killed when a semi-truck crashed into their car as they were changing a flat tire on the side of a Louisiana highway.

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