Caleb Wilson, a 20-year-old junior at Southern University in Louisiana, was reported dead by the East Baton Rouge Coroner's Office on February 27 at 12:27 am. His death was a rumored to be linked to “unsanctioned off-campus activities,” spiking a university-wide investigation.
The hazing activities he endured on February 27 were confirmed to be the sole cause of death, as stated by Baton Rouge Police Chief, Thomas Morse Jr.
On February 28, a day after his death, Omega Psi Phi’s International President, Ricky L. Lewis, released a statement. “ We have been informed that the local authorities have launched an investigation into this tragic incident and we fully support their efforts to seek the truth," wrote Lewis. "Currently, our foremost priority is standing in unwavering support of Caleb’s family.”
On March 6, 23-year-old, Caleb McCray, Southern University graduate and member of Omega Psi Phi turned himself in to the Baton Rouge Police Department. He was charged with felony criminal hazing and manslaughter. In a police arrest report, McCray was stated as having punched nine pledges amid the initiation process. He allegedly punched Wilson, presumably with boxing gloves, in the chest four times, leading to his collapse, seizure, and loss of all bodily functions.
Wilson was later confirmed dead at the hospital after a group of his peers dropped him off at Baton Rouge Hospital, claiming that he collapsed during a basketball game. That claim has since been proven false by local police.
Other than McCray, there are two other members of the fraternity being charged with misdemeanor hazing which have not been publicly named at this time. Police also stated that this continues to be an ongoing investigation, and more arrests could be made.
At this time McCray has paid his total bond of $100,000 — $75,000 for manslaughter and $25,000 for hazing. He remains at home, awaiting trial.
The incident spiked outrage across the Lousiana community, as well as nationally. Hazing crackdowns have popped up across the US, with some states even passing legislation to end this problem. The Southern University community grieves one of their own, lost in such a tragic, preventable manner.
“Caleb was a bright and talented young man with a promising future ahead of him," Wilson’s family told their local station, WAFB. "We are committed to seeking the truth about the circumstances surrounding Caleb’s passing and ensuring that no other family has to endure such a tragedy.”
Wilson was a scholar and passionate student leader on campus. He majored in mechanical engineering and was part of the “Human Jukebox” Marching Band at Southern University, a well-known group that recently performed at Superbowl LIX and has performed at presidential inaugurations in the past.
The group performed at Wilson’s candlelight vigil on March 5, where family, friends, and peers gathered to tell joyous stories of Caleb. “This was more than just a performance," the group wrote on Facebook. "It was a tribute, a farewell and a promise that Caleb’s legacy will live on.”