Southern College, situated in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has formally suspended all fraternity and sorority actions after the sudden loss of life of a scholar. Final week, Caleb Wilson — a 20-year-old junior learning mechanical engineering — died after an off-campus fraternity occasion.
In keeping with Baton Rouge police, the occasion occurred with members of Omega Psi Phi at North Sherwood Forest Group Park. Throughout the ritual, members have been standing in line when Wilson reportedly collapsed. He was rushed to a Baton Rouge hospital, the place he was later pronounced lifeless.
Native information outlet WAFB-9 reported that an post-mortem is being carried out to find out his precise explanation for loss of life. Regulation enforcement officers haven’t confirmed nor denied if hazing was concerned. Sgt. L’Jean McKneely mentioned that the matter is at the moment being investigated.
“All that data the detectives will have a look at, and that may decide the place we go,” McKneely acknowledged.
Wilson, who graduated from Warren Easton Excessive College, was a musician and member of Southern’s Human Jukebox marching band. The group paid homage to his reminiscence in a transferring Fb publish, calling Wilson was “a gifted trumpet participant, a devoted scholar, and a shiny soul.”
Southern College additionally launched a assertion.
“Southern College and A&M School is conscious of an off-campus incident that will have resulted within the loss of life of scholar Caleb Wilson, a junior from New Orleans majoring in mechanical engineering,” the college mentioned.
The establishment additionally prolonged condolences to Wilson’s family members.
“Southern is cooperating absolutely with the Baton Rouge Police Division, which is accountable for the investigation. No additional data is obtainable presently.”
The varsity has not commented whether or not the fraternity will face sanctions or additional investigation.
In keeping with WAFB-9, the worldwide headquarters for Omega Psi Phi fraternity launched an announcement addressing Wilson’s loss of life.
“It’s with profound sorrow that we lengthen our condolences on the passing of Caleb Wilson. His loss is deeply felt, and our hearts exit to his household, mates, and all who have been touched by him,” the assertion started. “Caleb was greater than a beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew and cousin – He was a scholar, an distinctive member of the Southern College Marching Band, and a passionate and devoted chief in scholar life.”
“Now we have been knowledgeable that the native authorities have launched an investigation into this tragic incident, and we absolutely help their efforts to hunt the reality. Presently, our foremost precedence is standing in unwavering help of Caleb’s household. Now we have prolonged ourselves to them and are prepared to help in any method doable throughout this troublesome time,” the assertion added, addressing how “a lot of you might have questions, and we’re actively working to assemble correct data.”
The assertion concluded: “Within the meantime, we ask in your endurance, your prayers, and solidarity as we honor Caleb’s reminiscence and help these grieving his loss.”