Police say a 20-year-old member of the Southern University Marching Band collapsed and died during a fraternity ceremony.
According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, Caleb Wilson, the school's famous human jukebox trumpeter, passed away last Friday morning after an off-campus event at a local park with members of the Omega PSI Phi.
At the event, Wilson pledged to queue as part of the initiation process when he suddenly collapsed. Sources told Fox 8 Live.
Police have not confirmed whether Hayes is involved.
A friend rushed Wilson to Baton Rouge General Hospital, where he was declared dead at 3:15pm, officers said.
An autopsy determines the cause of death.
“Every information the detective sees will determine where we are going,” Sgt. said. L'Jean McKneely of Baton Rouge Police Station.
In response to Wilson's death, Southern University officials announced this week an indefinite suspension of all membership activities on campus, including fraternities, sororities and sororities.
Wilson, Kenner, Louisiana, is a member of the University of South's renowned marching band Human Jukebox, and posted an emotional homage to his late bandmate.
“A talented trumpet player, dedicated student and cheerful soul, Caleb was a mechanical engineering major who was passionate about both his research and his time at the human jukebox.” The Marching Band said. “I will never forget his energy, spirit and impact on those around him.”
The loss has shaken up the university community in the South.
“Su is a community where we pride ourselves on being united and elevating each other,” Southern Student Christian Nunnery told Fox 8 Live. “It's a shame this situation happened to one of our family.”
“Everyone on campus, even those who don't come here, love human jukeboxes. I know it's difficult for them,” said another school alum, Mataja Peterson.
Wilson's death attracted the attention of Gale Benson, the owner of the New Orleans Saints, who gave his pathetic wishes to Wilson's family, particularly his father, a sergeant at the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office outside of New Orleans.
“Our minds come out to his family, friends and the entire university community in the South during these incredibly difficult times,” Benson said. “This tragic loss has come very close to my heart as my father, Sergeant Corey Wilson, has worked with our team for many years. I have a deep, personal connection to his family.”
This is the second major tragedy that will affect human jukebox marching bands in just two years.
In December 2022, three members of the Marching Band were killed when a semi-truck hit a car as they were changing flat tires next to a Louisiana highway.
