Fabricated Details Exposed in Southern University Student’s Death Investigation

The Baton Rouge Police Department is working to uncover the details of what really happened in the moments leading up to and following the tragic death of Caleb Wilson.

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Last week, news broke that a 20-year-old Southern University student was participating in an off-campus pledging ritual for Southern University's Omega Psi Phi chapter at North Sherwood Forest Community Park when he collapsed.

Read More: Louisiana University Student Dies During Fraternity Ritual 

Police were not contacted until after Wilson was pronounced dead at Baton Rouge General Hospital on February 27th around 3:15 in the morning.

Now, sources have told WAFB that the fraternity members' initial story to police was 'fabricated' and left out important details. According to these sources, Omega Psi Phi was hosting an unofficial fraternity ritual at a warehouse in Baton Rouge, not at a local park as initially stated.

It was at the warehouse that nine pledges were lined up and 'forced to take blows to the chest'. When Wilson was hit in the chest, sources say he collapsed to the ground and started seizing.

After Wilson was brought to the hospital, the Omega Psi Phi members allegedly met at a local park to discuss the events that had unfolded that night. At this gathering, they decided on the false story about Wilson collapsing at the park, even though sources say the pledges were never there.

Investigators are working to determine what members are responsible for Wilson's death to hopefully bring justice and closure to his friends, family, and SU community. Details regarding the cause of death have not been released yet.

The following statement was released by Southern University on Tuesday regarding the hazing investigation:

"Southern University and A&M College continues to hold in our thoughts the family and loved ones of Caleb Wilson. We are deeply saddened by the reports of actions that led to his unfortunate and unnecessary loss of life.

The University is conducting an internal investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of this beloved student. Once the investigation is complete, we will take appropriate action. The University has implemented a ban on membership intake for all student organizations that remains in effect until further notice.

Hazing is a violation of the University’s rules and regulations as well as Louisiana law, and it will not be tolerated in any form at Southern University. The well-being of our students is a part of our mission to provide an extraordinary education for thousands of students. We support punishment to the fullest extent of the law for anyone committing an act of violence that impedes a student from safely and successfully matriculating at Southern.

Southern continues to actively support the ongoing criminal investigation by the Baton Rouge Police Department and the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s office into this alleged act of hazing involving members of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to reach out to talk to someone during this devastating time for our campus community. Mental health resources are available 24/7 at subr.edu/ucc."