Latest news with #OmegaPsiPhiFraternity
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Rickey Smiley speaks on Omega Psi Phi, Caleb Wilson
The post Rickey Smiley speaks on Omega Psi Phi, Caleb Wilson appeared first on ClutchPoints. While appearing on Jemele Hill's Spolitics podcast, comedian Rickey Smiley expressed his disappointment in his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., following the death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson, who died during an unsanctioned ritual while trying to join the fraternity. Smiley had a lot to say about how things have changed within the fraternity. He went on to say that the founders would not support the way things are today and likely wouldn't have selected many individuals who are currently members of Omega Psi Phi. Smiley, who is also a member of other organizations, including Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity and the NAACP, stated that the last five physical altercations that he has been in have been with other members of Omega Psi Phi. 'In 25 years in the frat, I have never put my hands on anybody,' he said, stressing that the current behavior shown by fraternity members is 'wrong.' Smiley also revealed that he spoke with Wilson's dad following his death to offer his condolences, stating that he is also a dad who has lost a son. Wilson's dad, who is also a member of Omega Psi Phi, says that Smiley was the first person from their fraternity to offer their condolences. Wilson died back in February during an off-campus, unsanctioned fraternity ritual while pledging Omega Psi Phi. He collapsed after being punched in the chest repeatedly by fraternity members. Caleb McCray, Kyle Thurman, and Isaiah Smith were arrested in connection to Wilson's death. A Baton Rouge district judge recently set bond conditions for McCray. The judge set McCray's bail at $25,000 for criminal hazing and $75,000 for manslaughter during the March bond hearing. If McCray is found guilty of manslaughter, the most serious accusation, he may face a maximum sentence of 40 years. He is also required to use a phone tracker instead of the traditional ankle monitor. Additionally, McCray is ordered to have no contact with any co-defendants involved in the case. In addition, he must use a phone tracker rather than the conventional ankle monitor. McCray is also prohibited from contacting any of the other defendants in the case. Smiley was initiated into the Psi Rho grad chapter in 2000. Related: Howard University makes huge NIL move before football season Related: 2025 Cricket Celebration Bowl date & time revealed
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Who were Sieas Elliot, Destiny Gardner, and Varick Lawrence, Stillman College alumni killed in crash
Stillman College is grieving the loss of three members of its community after a deadly car accident on Friday, May 23, in the Atlanta area, Georgia. The victims who died in the deadly crash were current student Sieas Elliot, and alumni Destiny Gardner and Varick Lawrence. Sieas Elliot, from Stockbridge, Georgia, was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and he just finished his baseball career at Stillman earlier this month. He planned to return to school next year to finish his degree and help coach the baseball team, as reported by WBRC report. Destiny Gardner, from Montgomery, Alabama, graduated in 2022 with a degree in criminal justice. She received the Miss Stillman during the 2021–2022 school year, a leader in the UNCF National Pre-Alumni Council, and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She worked as a juvenile officer at a youth detention center in DeKalb County, Georgia. Varick Lawrence, from Lithonia, Georgia, also played baseball at Stillman and graduated in 2023. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi and worked as a baseball coach in the Atlanta area. Also Read: Jury President Juliette Binoche on why It was just an Accident won Palme d'Or As per reports, Gardner and Lawrence shared a young son, the couple remained active in the Stillman community after graduation. Stillman President Dr. Yolanda W. Page said, 'This is a terrible tragedy for everyone in our Stillman family. The spirit of each of these proud Stillmanites will live on with all who were greeted by their warm smiles and welcoming personality. The entire Stillman College community mourns this heartbreaking loss. We extend our sincere condolences to their families, friends, classmates, and teammates during this incredibly difficult time." Jean Wilson, Director of Alumni Affairs, said, "Varick and Destiny embodied the spirit of Stillman College—determined, compassionate, and always striving for excellence. As alumni, they continued to uplift others and set examples of leadership in their communities. Their loss is deeply felt among the alumni family." Terrance Whittle, director of athletics and former head baseball coach said, "I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life of two former student-athletes, Sieas Elliot and Varick Lawrence, and Miss Destiny Gardner." He added, "The Department of Athletics wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family of these young persons whom all had an invaluable imprint on Stillman College. Their legacy will live on at Stillman through the relationships they formed while here."
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Yahoo
2 more arrested in hazing death of college student pledging DeKalb-based fraternity
Two more people were arrested in connection to the death of a 20-year-old college student who died while pledging Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On Feb. 26, Caleb Wilson, a 20-year-old junior at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, died. Police say Wilson was brought to a nearby hospital before 3 a.m. on Feb. 26 by a group of men who said he collapsed while playing basketball in a nearby park. All of those men had left the hospital before police arrived. Investigators learned the group had not been playing basketball in the park. Instead, police say Wilson was fatally wounded in a hazing incident in a warehouse when he was repeatedly punched. TRENDING STORIES: Worker severely burns 9-month-old baby at DeKalb County daycare, mother says Man sentenced after strangling 21-year-old, burying his remains near Lake Lanier 'Most dangerous city in Georgia' to attract visitors with botanical garden The first suspect, Caleb McCray, turned himself in to police on Friday. He's been charged with criminal hazing and manslaughter. On Monday, the second suspect, Kyle Thurman, was arrested in Port Allen, La. The third suspect, Isaiah Smith, turned himself in to police Monday. Thurman and Smith have both been charged with criminal hazing. The investigation is ongoing. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Yahoo
Man charged with manslaughter after Louisiana student hazing death
A man has been charged in connection with the death of a Louisiana college student who collapsed after being repeatedly punched in the chest during a hazing ritual, police said. Officials said Caleb McCray, 23, a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, allegedly punched Caleb Wilson multiple times during the off-campus initiation ceremony. He was charged with criminal hazing and manslaughter. Mr Wilson was a 20-year-old college band member and mechanical engineering student at Southern University and A&M, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The suspect's lawyer told CBS News his client deserved due process and asked the public "to withhold rushing to judgment until all the evidence is heard". Hazing, which is illegal in most US states, is a tradition where people pledge their loyalty by doing something painful, humiliating or dangerous. Speaking at a news conference, Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr stated that Mr Wilson's death on 27 February was a "direct result" of the hazing incident. According to police, a group of individuals dropped Mr Wilson off at a hospital and allegedly lied to the staff, saying he had collapsed while playing basketball. They left before authorities arrived. But detectives later determined that information to be inaccurate. A police arrest report reviewed by US media outlets states that Mr Wilson and eight others pledging the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity were struck by Mr McCray and at least two others wearing boxing gloves. Mr McCray allegedly hit Mr Wilson four times in the chest, after which he collapsed, suffered a seizure, and lost control of his bodily functions, the the arrest warrant affidavit said. No one present attempted to call for emergency assistance, police said. Mr Wilson was later pronounced dead at the hospital. An autopsy found no significant trauma to his body, aside from a small bruise on the right side of his chest, according to the affidavit. It also noted that investigators found no indication that Mr McCray intended to "cause death or great bodily harm to any of the pledges". Mr McCray, a member of Omega Psi Phi and a Louisiana Army National Guard member, reportedly graduated from Southern University in December 2024, according to ABC News. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore said two additional people, who have not been publicly identified, will be charged with misdemeanour hazing. The investigation is ongoing and remains active. Southern University System President Dennis Shields expressed deep sorrow over Mr Wilson's death. "Words cannot express how deeply saddened we are by the loss of our student, Caleb Wilson," he said. Mr Shields said the campus chapter of Omega Psi Phi has been ordered to suspend all activities. Students involved in the incident could face expulsion. Additionally, all Greek organisations at the university— a historically black college— have been barred from accepting new members for the remainder of the academic year. Mr Wilson's passing has sparked widespread grief. The Human Jukebox Marching Band, which recently performed at the Super Bowl, honoured him in a Facebook post: "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." Hundreds of people gathered for a vigil outside Southern University's Smith-Brown Student Union. One friend, speaking of Mr Wilson, told local media outlet WAFB: "His light does not die with himself. It dies with all of us. We have to make sure his light lives within all of us and make sure you stand up tall like he's on your shoulders reaching for the sky." The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity released a statement offering condolences and supporting law enforcement's efforts "to seek the truth". Under Louisiana state law, if a person dies or is seriously injured during a hazing ritual, it can be prosecuted as a criminal offence under the Max Gruver Act. Max Gruver was a Louisiana State University who died of alcohol poisoning after hazing in 2018. Those prosecuted can face up to a $10,000 (£7,745) fine and five years in prison. Organisations and educational institutions can also face penalties under the act. The brutal secret of school sport initiations Ohio college student dies after frat party The deadly problem with US fraternities
BBC News
08-03-2025
- BBC News
Man charged with manslaughter after Louisiana student hazing death
A man has been charged in connection with the death of a Louisiana college student who collapsed after being repeatedly punched in the chest during a hazing ritual, police said Caleb McCray, 23, a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, allegedly punched Caleb Wilson multiple times during the off-campus initiation ceremony. He was charged with criminal hazing and manslaughter. Mr Wilson was a 20-year-old college band member and mechanical engineering student at Southern University and A&M, Baton Rouge, suspect's lawyer told CBS News his client deserved due process and asked the public "to withhold rushing to judgment until all the evidence is heard". Hazing, which is illegal in most US states, is a tradition where people pledge their loyalty by doing something painful, humiliating or at a news conference, Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr stated that Mr Wilson's death on 27 February was a "direct result" of the hazing to police, a group of individuals dropped Mr Wilson off at a hospital and allegedly lied to the staff, saying he had collapsed while playing basketball. They left before authorities detectives later determined that information to be inaccurate.A police arrest report reviewed by US media outlets states that Mr Wilson and eight others pledging the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity were struck by Mr McCray and at least two others wearing boxing McCray allegedly hit Mr Wilson four times in the chest, after which he collapsed, suffered a seizure, and lost control of his bodily functions, the the arrest warrant affidavit one present attempted to call for emergency assistance, police said. Mr Wilson was later pronounced dead at the autopsy found no significant trauma to his body, aside from a small bruise on the right side of his chest, according to the also noted that investigators found no indication that Mr McCray intended to "cause death or great bodily harm to any of the pledges".Mr McCray, a member of Omega Psi Phi and a Louisiana Army National Guard member, reportedly graduated from Southern University in December 2024, according to ABC Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore said two additional people, who have not been publicly identified, will be charged with misdemeanour investigation is ongoing and remains University System President Dennis Shields expressed deep sorrow over Mr Wilson's death."Words cannot express how deeply saddened we are by the loss of our student, Caleb Wilson," he Shields said the campus chapter of Omega Psi Phi has been ordered to suspend all activities. Students involved in the incident could face all Greek organisations at the university— a historically black college— have been barred from accepting new members for the remainder of the academic Wilson's passing has sparked widespread Human Jukebox Marching Band, which recently performed at the Super Bowl, honoured him in a Facebook post:"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."Hundreds of people gathered for a vigil outside Southern University's Smith-Brown Student friend, speaking of Mr Wilson, told local media outlet WAFB: "His light does not die with himself. It dies with all of us. We have to make sure his light lives within all of us and make sure you stand up tall like he's on your shoulders reaching for the sky."The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity released a statement offering condolences and supporting law enforcement's efforts "to seek the truth".Under Louisiana state law, if a person dies or is seriously injured during a hazing ritual, it can be prosecuted as a criminal offence under the Max Gruver Act. Max Gruver was a Louisiana State University who died of alcohol poisoning after hazing in prosecuted can face up to a $10,000 (£7,745) fine and five years in prison. Organisations and educational institutions can also face penalties under the act.
