Police are investigating the death of a 20-year-old college student as a possible hazing incident, according to multiple reports.
According to nola.com, on Feb. 27, Caleb Wilson, a junior at Southern University and A&M College, and about 10 other Omega Psi Phi fraternity pledges were punched in the chest during a fraternity ritual at a warehouse during an off-campus event.
Wilson collapsed during the ritual and was unresponsive when he was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment. CBS affiliate WAFB reported that fraternity members allegedly lied to police, initially saying Wilson and other pledges were at a park, not the warehouse.
The university said in a statement that it has launched an internal investigation “immediately after reports of unsanctioned off-campus activities.” The school has suspended all fraternity, sorority and student organization activities on campus, according to Fox affiliate WVUE.
“The University has begun the student judiciary process as prescribed by the University’s student code of conduct and aligned with Louisiana law,” the university wrote in a post on Facebook. “As stated in University policies, all organizations on campus are required to undergo rigorous anti-hazing training and are held to high standards related to membership intake processes. Any breaches of these policies prompt disciplinary sanctions. Southern University is actively and fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities in their criminal investigation.”
Wilson’s family wrote that the 20-year-old’s “passion for life, his dedication to his studies, and his love for music and the Southern University ‘Human Jukebox’ Marching Band were just a few of the many qualities that made him an extraordinary person.”
Omega Psi Phi did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but in a statement on Instagram, Ricky L. Lewis, international president of the fraternity, said, “Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and all who were touched by him.”
Lewis continued: “We recognize that many of you may have questions, and we are actively working to gather accurate information. In the meantime, we ask for your patience, your prayers, and solidarity as we honor Caleb’s memory and support those grieving his loss.”