Caleb Wilson, a 20-year-old student, garnered national attention after collapsing during an off-campus ritual while pledging Omega Psi Phi, ultimately leading to his death in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Initially, reports stated that Wilson collapsed at a nearby park prior to his hospital transport. A recent report from WAFB’s Chris Nakamoto references sources that fabricated the narrative surrounding Wilson’s collapse in the park.
L-R: Photograph image of Caleb Wilson; Photo Credit: WAFB; Omega Psi Phi fraternity’s signage on the campus of Southern University; Photo Credit: Hilary Scheinuk/The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate; and Caleb Wilson, member of Southern University’s Human Jukebox Marching Band at Caesars Superdome; Courtesy of Southern University
Instead, reports indicated that Omega Psi Phi pledges were participating in an unofficial fraternity ritual at a warehouse in Baton Rouge. Each of the nine pledges was forced to take blows to the chest as part of the initiation process.
According to sources, Wilson collapsed to the ground and started experiencing a seizure after receiving a punch to the chest.
Wilson is a junior majoring in mechanical engineering at Southern University and a member of the Human Jukebox band.
Southern University is organizing a candlelight vigil to honor the life of the Kenner, Louisiana native on Wednesday, March 5th, at 5 p.m. CST on the lawn of Isaac Greggs Band Hall.