Southern University on Thursday halted indefinitely all club recruiting activities, including those related to Greek life, following the off-campus death of a student earlier that day.
A university spokesman said the pause on the Baton Rouge campus was due to the death of Caleb Wilson, 20, a junior from Kenner studying mechanical engineering. Wilson's mother is a student at Southern University's New Orleans campus.Â
Wilson's father, Corey Wilson, worked 35 years as a deputy with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. He also served on security details for Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans.
Caleb Wilson died at a Baton Rouge hospital Thursday morning after being found unresponsive in a Baton Rouge park.Â
An unconscious Wilson was brought to the hospital by people who found him at North Sherwood Forest Park, Baton Rouge police said. Officers were called to the hospital, after authorities ruled Wilson's death "suspicious in nature."
Wilson's death likely resulted from an off-campus incident involving a student organization, university officials said, though they have not indicated which organization they think was involved. Southern leaders suspended all recruitment for fraternities, sororities and student clubs on the Baton Rouge campus.
A university spokesman said the pause was due to the student's death.
Wilson, whose bandmates called him "Cheese," played trumpet for the Human Jukebox, Southern University's famed marching band.
"He had a lot of potential," said Lonnie Robinson, a senior at Southern and leader of the band's trumpet section.
The two had met during a summer band camp when Wilson was still attending Warren Easton Charter High School in New Orleans.Â
"He was always smiling," Robinson said of his friend. "He just had the best sense of humor."
Wilson first picked up a trumpet in middle school, playing for the Roots of Music, an afterschool youth music program in New Orleans.Â
"He was a great kid with a great future that I loved dearly," said Derek Tabb, member of the Rebirth Brass Band and co-founder of The Roots of Music. "I will miss his smile and our conversations."
Meanwhile, Southern's Winton R. Anderson, director of student leadership and engagement, wrote a letter to university chapter advisors and presidents explaining the university's club activities suspension.
The key points of his directive are prohibiting initiation processes, any induction of new members and any rushes or interest meetings. Existing membership activities of current members may continue, Anderson wrote.Â
Benson released a statement Thursday, mourning the 20-year-old's death.Â
"Today, we are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Caleb Wilson, a very bright, young Southern University student," she said. "Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and the entire Southern University community during this incredibly difficult time."Â
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office also offered condolences to the Wilson family. After retiring last year as a sergeant, Corey Wilson is working as a part-time deputy with the Sheriff's Office.Â
Baton Rouge police continue investigating his son Caleb's death.
"This tragic loss has hit very close to my heart as his father, (Sgt.) Corey Wilson has worked with our team for many years," Saints owner Benson said.
"I have a deep and personal connection to his family. We mourn with him today on this senseless passing, our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking loss."
