Hundreds of Southern University students gathered for a candlelight vigil Wednesday night to honor Caleb Wilson, a 20-year-old engineering student who died last week after what sources say was an off-campus fraternity event.
“Caleb was young, gifted, he was bright, he was a great soul,†said John K. Pierre, chancellor of the university.
At the heart of the gathering, a group of students wearing yellow hoodies distributed candles with the phrase "Juke-Box vs Everybody" printed on the back. Wilson, a trumpet player for the Human Jukebox, Southern University’s famed marching band, was known by his bandmates as “Cheese.â€
A fellow trumpet player honored him with a solo rendition of "O' Southern, Dear Southern," the school's alma mater.Â
A dozen or so of Wilson’s bandmates shared their favorite moments of him with the crowd. They described him as a “comedic genius†constantly pulling pranks on other members of the band, but also as someone who was all business in the classroom and on game days.
“He walked this campus with a purpose,†said Chaselynn Grant, a longtime friend. “I know he is smiling down.â€
Wilson’s father, Corey Wilson, a sheriff’s deputy of over 35 years in Jefferson Parish, spoke in front of his son’s classmates and expressed gratitude for their support. He recalled walking into his son’s apartment in the aftermath of Caleb's death to find his marching band uniform laid out, ready for Mardi Gras season.
“I want to thank y'all for the love you gave my son,†he said. “This was Caleb’s life.â€
Caleb Wilson died Feb. 27, reportedly following a hazing ritual where students pledging the Omega Psi Phi fraternity were beaten with fists and objects in a warehouse. Wilson experienced a medical episode after he was hit in the chest, and there was a lapse in time before Wilson was taken to the hospital, sources say. Those who dropped him off never called 911, and told Baton Rouge Police they found him unresponsive in a park, according to sources close to the investigation.
As the Baton Rouge police department and Southern University office of student affairs continue to investigate the incident, sources close to the case have indicated arrests are expected soon.
“This was senseless, it shouldn’t have happened,†said Attorney General Liz Murrill, who attended Wednesday's vigil. “Don't let this happen again to another one of your friends.â€
Tony Clayton, chair of the Southern University System board of supervisors, announced the plaza will be named in Wilson's honor.
As the sun set, Caleb Wilson's former bandmates paid tribute to him with a raucous second line performance outside the student union.Â
"We have a lot to celebrate at the same time," said one bandmate. "Make sure his light lives with all of us."
