Three arrested after Southern University student dies from hazing incident
- Caleb Wilson, a Southern University student, engaged in fraternity hazing rituals and subsequently collapsed after being punched.
- Authorities have arrested three individuals, including two who turned themselves in this week, on felony charges of criminal hazing.
- The investigation into Wilson's death raises serious concerns about fraternity practices and the responsibility of those involved in hazing.
In Louisiana, the tragic death of 20-year-old Southern University student Caleb Wilson has raised critical concerns regarding fraternity hazing practices. On February 26, 2025, during an off-campus hazing ritual for the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Wilson reportedly collapsed after being punched multiple times in the chest by fraternity members. The Baton Rouge Police Department initiated an investigation following the incident, which led to the arrests of three individuals involved in the hazing. The first suspect, 23-year-old Caleb McCray, allegedly inflicted the blows that caused Wilson's collapse. He turned himself in to authorities last week, facing charges of criminal hazing and manslaughter. Subsequent arrests of 25-year-old Kyle Thurman and 28-year-old Isaiah Smith followed, who were also charged with criminal hazing. Both men were involved in the same incident that ultimately gave rise to Wilson's death. Smith, notably identified as the Dean of Pledges, was in charge of the fraternity pledges during the hazing event. Reports from police reveal that Wilson's distress went unaddressed during the incident; he was not provided necessary medical attention as no one called for an ambulance or attempted to summon help. In a concerning turn of events, after his collapse, Wilson was transported to a local hospital in a vehicle linked to Smith, indicating a troubling series of decisions made by those present during the hazing. The timeline of events between Wilson's collapse and his arrival at the hospital remains unclear, raising questions about accountability and the fraternity culture. As the investigation continues, the Baton Rouge Police Chief has indicated that more arrests might be forthcoming. Southern University has expressed its commitment to cooperating with the ongoing investigation and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards hazing. The community has been left questioning the broader implications of such hazing rituals, the responsibilities of fraternity organizations, and the safety of students during pledging processes.