A 20-year-old Southern University student died from hazing-related chest trauma, prompting a wrongful death lawsuit and arrests.

The family of Caleb Wilson, a 20-year-old Southern University student and Omega Psi Phi pledge, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit after the East Baton Rouge Parish coroner ruled his February 27, 2025, death a homicide caused by commotio cordis from blunt chest trauma during a hazing incident. The lawsuit names the national and local Omega Psi Phi chapters, Southern University, the state of Louisiana, and 12 individuals, alleging negligence, delayed medical response, and false statements. Three former members—Caleb McCray, Kyle Thurman, and Isaiah Smith—have been arrested, with McCray facing manslaughter and felony hazing charges. Southern University expelled the Beta Sigma chapter and banned new Greek life members. The case, governed by Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, has drawn national attention to fraternity hazing and institutional accountability.