Student's death investigated as possible act of fraternity hazing
A possible act of fraternity hazing is being investigated by local law enforcement following the death of a 20-year-old Southern University student, school authorities confirmed.
Caleb Wilson, who died on February 27, was a mechanical engineering junior at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and a member of the school's famed marching band. A university spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday that an alleged fraternity ritual, involving Omega Psi Phi, is being investigated.
Chancellor John K. Pierre said on the college's Facebook page that 'an off-campus incident is believed to have contributed to Caleb's death.'
Additional details, including Wilson's cause of death, were not yet available. Police in Baton Rouge have not commented on the investigation.
Ricky L. Lewis, the international president of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., said in a written statement issued on Friday that the organization is aware that authorities have 'launched an investigation into this tragic incident, and we fully support their efforts to seek the truth.'
'We recognize that many of you may have questions, and we are actively working to gather accurate information,' Lewis said. It was unclear if Wilson was a fraternity member.
In a statement from Wilson's family, published by WAFB-TV, the student was described as an 'extraordinary person' who was a 'bright and talented young man with a promising future ahead of him.'
'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,' the family said.
Wilson was a trumpet player with the marching band, known as the 'Human Jukebox,' which recently played at the Super Bowl. In a statement on the band's Facebook page, Wilson was described as a talented, dedicated and bright soul who 'poured his passion' into his studies and music.
'His energy, spirit and impact on those around him will never be forgotten,' the post read.
During the band's performance at one of New Orleans ' Mardi Gras parades over the weekend, members played Stevie Wonder's 'Love Light in Flight' in honor of Wilson.
'This was more than just a performance, it was a tribute, a farewell and promise that Caleb's legacy will live on,' the band posted on Facebook along with a video of the performance.
Following Wilson's death, the historically Black university indefinitely halted all club recruiting activities, including those related to Greek life. On Tuesday, the university announced its own internal investigation and student judiciary process into the 'alleged hazing incident.'
The university statement said that any organization on campus that breaches anti-hazing polices will face 'prompt disciplinary sanctions.'
Southern University requires clubs and organizations to undergo anti-hazing training. In 2018, following the death of Max Gruver — a Louisiana State University student who died of alcohol poisoning after a hazing ritual at the Phi Delta Theta fraternity house — then-Gov. John Bel Edwards signed into state several law anti-hazing laws meant to curb hazing and increase penalties.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NBC News
3 hours ago
- NBC News
Diddy's lawyers portray ‘hotel nights' as consensual encounters
This is a free article for Diddy on Trial newsletter subscribers. to get exclusive reporting and analysis throughout Sean Combs' federal trial. U.S. government prosecutors have presented the drug-dazed, marathon sexual encounters known as 'freak offs' as part of Diddy's sweeping criminal conspiracy. But in a forceful cross-examination of Diddy's ex-girlfriend ' Jane ' today, his legal team attempted to recast the 'freak offs' as consensual trysts. Here's what you need to know about Jane's fifth day on the stand: Jane, answering questions from defense attorneyTeny Geragos, said she initiated some 'freak offs' with Diddy. Diddy's lawyers entered as evidence photos of a room, decorated by Jane, filled with rose petals and balloons. When asked if she suggested a 'hotel night' with two other men on that occasion, Jane said yes. 'Yes, that was my suggestion,' she replied. Diddy was 'excited about that.' In late August 2022, after Jane had a tryst with Diddy and a sex worker named Paul, she told the rapper how much she enjoyed such sexual encounters. Jane texted Diddy that she was 'having so much fun,' adding that she would 'never take this for granted and will always make sure you are taken care of.' Jane wept on the stand after recounting telling Diddy in a text message that he was a 'blessing' in her life. 'I have never had a man take care of me like you do,' Jane wrote to Diddy a day after one of their 'hotel nights.' She added: 'You're the reason for my child's joy, it means the world to us, I love you baby.' Jane testified she urged Diddy to stay off drugs and eat healthy food for 30 days. Diddy suggested a 'sobriety party' — a 'hotel night' without drugs, she said. The October 2023 party lasted between 12 and 18 hours; Jane had sex with three men, she testified. 'I resent him for how much I loved him and couldn't say no to him,' she said. 'I resent him for all of it.' 🔎 The view from inside By Adam Reiss, Chloe Melas and Katherine Koretski The prosecutors are seeking to remove one of the jurors — Juror #6 — who Diddy's defense lawyers claim is among the panel's Black members. It's not exactly clear what's behind the prosecution's request, though it has cited a 'lack of candor.' 'We were very reluctant to put in this letter. It appeared to be a lack of candor with the court that raises serious issues with us,' Maurene Comey, one of the prosecutors, told the court today. 'We did not want to do this. We were compelled to do that.' In other news: Diddy, wearing what appeared to be a light orange sweater and khaki pants, stood up and faced the audience in the courtroom before proceedings got started today. He seemed to be mouthing words to someone. Tomorrow: 'Jane' is expected to return to the stand for more cross-examination. We'll be live-blogging the key moments.
The Courier
10 hours ago
- The Courier
Serial domestic abuser from Dundee back behind bars
A dangerous serial domestic abuser from Dundee is facing an extended sentence after subjecting his former partner to years of torment. Steven Carr attacked the woman with a can of deodorant, grabbed and ripped her underwear and used a naked photo of her as his profile image on WhatsApp. Carr, 45, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison in February 2019 after terrorising three separate women at addresses in Dundee. He is now back in custody after he admitted abusing another woman between September 2022 and August 2024 at locations in the city, as well as a hotel on the Greek island of Santorini. The 45-year-old pled guilty at Dundee Sheriff Court to shouting, swearing, calling her derogatory names as well as accessing and monitoring her online accounts. She was contacted excessively by Carr, who left threatening and abusive voicemails as well as accusing her of being unfaithful. He threatened to kill himself and deterred her from seeing friends and family. The charge states Carr bombarded the woman with abusive emails and texts and accessed her property without permission. On June 29 last year, the brute left the woman injured after assaulting her with a can of deodorant. She was grabbed by Carr, who ripped her underwear in the process. Carr also admitted striking the woman on the face while she was driving and damaging the Santorini hotel room, as well as changing his WhatsApp picture to a naked image of her. A separate charge stated he breached bail conditions between August 13 and 23 last year by repeatedly contacting her and going to her house. Carr also sent abusive voice notes and WhatsApp messages to a woman that was not his partner between January and August 2024. 'I am of the view that some form of post-custodial supervision would be of assistance to Mr Carr,' his solicitor John Boyle said. 'He has not undertaken any offence-focused work.' Sheriff David Hall said: 'I am looking at the possibility of an extended sentence here. 'Before deciding how to sentence you, sentence will be deferred for a criminal justice social work report.' Carr, remanded at HMP Perth, will return to court next month.
Scotsman
a day ago
- Scotsman
Edinburgh Airport fined £80,000 after death of pensioner who fell from plane lift
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... James Young, 81, was travelling home from a holiday on the Greek island of Rhodes with his disabled wife when he fell around five feet while being transported on an airport ambulift. Mr Young was said to have landed 'on his hands and knees' and was rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment following the fall at around 4pm on November 28, 2023. The OAP was found to have suffered a punctured lung, spine fractures and a fractured pelvis. He also sustained a flail chest, which occurs when adjacent ribs are broken in multiple places. Mr Young suffered a heart attack two days later and medics came to the conclusion 'the totality of his injuries and medical condition were not survivable'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Young, from Edinburgh, died just before 9pm on December 7, 2023. Edinburgh Airport Ltd, a private limited company, was prosecuted under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 at a hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday. The Crown produced a written narrative detailing the incident that resulted in the death of Mr Young. The narration stated Mr Young had been on holiday in Rhodes with his 79-year-old wife Anne and had flown into Gatwick Airport before travelling on to Edinburgh Airport on November 28, 2023. The company that owns Edinburgh Airport has been fined £80,000 after a pensioner died following a fall from a lift designed to take a disabled passenger from a plane to the ground. | x Mrs Young has mobility issues and uses a wheelchair and as a result her husband had organised assistance from the easyJet aircraft using one of the airport's ambulifts. The ambulift is a specially designed vehicle to assist passengers who embark from the aircraft door and can then be transported to the terminal. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The ambulift cabin was elevated to the aircraft's door and six passengers moved into the vehicle's cabin. The narration stated: 'The passenger cabin was lowered onto the chassis and one of the employees exited via the side entrance and used the tail lift controls to lower the tail lift platform from its stowed position to a horizontal position and raised it to the level of the rear cabin door, approximately 1.6 metres above the ground level. 'The passengers then exited the cabin onto the tail lift, Mr Young among them, who stood on its offside. One of the employees then picked up an item of luggage that was behind Mr Young and passed it to a colleague on the ground. He was then passed another similar item which he lifted off the tail lift and passed to colleagues standing on the ground adjacent to the vehicle. 'Mr Young then turned around and picked up a piece of luggage that he attempted to pass down to one of the airport staff and in doing so, he either leant on or tried to balance himself on the side rail when it swung outwards causing him to lose his balance and fall forward through the gap that had been created by the rail swinging outwards. 'As the tail lift had not yet been lowered, Mr Young fell around 1.6 metres from the tail lift platform to the ground, landing on his hands and knees, the employee closest to him being unsuccessful in their attempt is to break his fall.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Young was not believed to have sustained serious injury at the time, but was taken to the terminal in a wheelchair and then to hospital 'as a precaution'. His injuries were discovered by hospital staff during a subsequent examination. A post mortem carried out on December 15, 2023, found 'numerous rib, thoracic spine fractures and a pelvic fracture were noted along with tearing of the pleura and extensive chest wall haemorrhages'. Evidence was also found of Mr Young's heart attack and ventilator associated pneumonia. The court was told an investigation was carried out by the Health and Safety Executive the day after the incident and 'no defects' were found. The investigation found 'the locking mechanism of the offside safety rail worked as intended' while the vehicle was on the ground. However, when the platform was raised components of the rail became 'misaligned'. The narration stated: 'The effect of this is that while the side rail could not have been opened with the tail lift sitting on the ground, it could potentially open outwards if even slight pressure was applied from anyone, but only when the tail lift was elevated. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'These investigations made it possible to be determined that when Mr Young was on board the tail lift, the offside safety rail had not been secured to the lifting platform. It is against this background that this particular incident occurred with such catastrophic consequences for Mr Young.' In sentencing, Sheriff Fiona Sharp said the 'isolated incident' had been 'a tragic accident' and noted the ambulift had been inspected by a third party with no defects found on June 9, 2023 and December 8, 2022. Sheriff Sharp said this was the first time the company had faced prosecution and she had been persuaded 'the culpability is low'. Sheriff Sharp issued Edinburgh Airport Ltd with a fine of £80,000 that was reduced from £120,000 due to the early guilty plea. A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport said: 'We again offer our sincere condolences to the family of Mr Young following the tragic accident at Edinburgh Airport in November 2023. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
