A 20-year-old college student, Caleb Wilson, died after allegedly participating in an off-campus fraternity activity, and family members are speaking out about it.
Caleb Wilson, a junior at Southern University and A&M College studying mechanical engineering, was brought to Baton Rouge General Hospital by friends and later declared dead early on Thursday, February 27, according to earlier reports from NBC affiliate WVLA and CBS affiliate WFAB.
“An off-campus incident is believed to have contributed to Caleb’s death,” according to a statement posted on the college’s Facebook page by Chancellor John K. Pierre.
The family of Wilson shared their “deepest gratitude to everyone who has offered their love, support, and prayers during this tough time” in a statement that WFAB and NBC affiliate WDSU were able to get. They added that they “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.”
In the statement, the family said: “The loss of Caleb has left an unimaginable void in our hearts, but your kindness and compassion have provided some solace,”
They also added: “His 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.”
Mystery surrounding Caleb Wilson’s death
An autopsy is still pending to determine Wilson’s cause and manner of death. According to The Advocate, authorities stated that the student’s death seemed “suspicious in nature.”
The university “is cooperating fully” with authorities and their inquiry into Wilson’s death, Pierre added in his statement. Wilson’s family expressed gratitude to the Southern University community, the Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD), and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) for their support after Wilson’s passing.
In the statement, the family said: “As we navigate this painful journey, we ask for your continued prayers and respect for our privacy,”
“We find comfort in knowing that Caleb’s spirit lives on in the memories we cherish and the love we hold for him. Thank you once again for your unwavering support.”
PEOPLE’s requests for comment were not immediately answered by the JPSO or the BRPD. According to The Advocate, after Wilson’s passing, Southern University halted all club recruitment efforts.
