[Photo: Courtesy of Southern University’s Human Jukebox]
On February 27th, 2025, 20-year-old Caleb Wilson was pronounced dead by hospital staff at Baton Rouge General Hospital. Wilson was participating in a fraternity ritual and collapsed at North Sherwood Forest Park, he was pledging to become a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. After being found unconscious he was brought to the hospital around 3 a.m. on Thursday morning. The Baton Rouge Police Department did not receive a call reporting the incident until after he was pronounced dead at 3:15 a.m.
Wilson was originally from Kenner, Louisiana, (20 mins outside of New Orleans) he was a junior mechanical engineering major and a trumpet player for Southern’s marching band the “Human Jukebox.” According to a New Orleans news station 4WWL the East Baton Rouge Parish coroner’s office said, “The cause and manner of his death are currently pending results of an autopsy.” In response to his death, Southern University officials said there will be an indefinite pause on all membership activities on campus including fraternities, sororities and student clubs. Wilson’s father, Deputy Corey Wilson has worked for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) for over three decades, retiring last year as a sergeant serving 35 years. Wilson’s mother is a student at Southern University’s New Orleans (SUNO) campus.
As of now, there has not been a statement from Omega Psi Phi or Southern’s chapter of the fraternity. However, Southern University released a statement saying, “Southern University A&M College is aware of an off-campus incident that may have resulted in the death of student Caleb Wilson, a junior from New Orleans majoring in mechanical engineering. The campus community extends condolences to his family, classmates and loved ones. No further information is available at this time Counseling services are available for Southern University students, faculty, and staff.”
The Human Jukebox Marching Band also issued a statement saying, “With heavy hearts, we share the devastating loss of one of our own, Caleb Wilson, a beloved member of the Southern University Human Jukebox and an incredible part of our Jaguar family. 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. His energy, spirit, and impact on those around him will never be forgotten.”
Family, Friends, the Kenner & Baton Rouge, LA., and Southern University communities mourn the loss and of Caleb Wilson. May his life and legacy always will be remembered and cherished.
