Family of Caleb Jayden Wilson Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Omega Psi Phi and Southern University
The family of Caleb Jayden Wilson, a 20-year-old junior at Southern University and A&M College, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit following his death on February 27, 2025. The lawsuit, filed by Laborde Earles Law Firm and The Fierberg National Law Group, names Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., two of its local chapters, fraternity members, and Southern University as defendants.
Wilson, a junior business major who was known for his faith and devotion to his family, collapsed after taking part in secret hazing activities connected to Omega Psi Phi. The East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner ruled his death a homicide, caused by commotio cordis, a rare and sudden cardiac arrest triggered by a blow to the chest.
Lawsuit Claims Negligence & Concealment
The lawsuit, filed by Laborde Earles Law Firm and The Fierberg National Law Group, alleges that Wilson’s death was the direct result of illegal hazing practices.
Instead of calling for help immediately, fraternity members and others are accused of attempting to cover up what happened. The complaint claims they changed Caleb’s clothing, created a false narrative, and left him outside a hospital rather than ensuring he received urgent medical attention.
Defendants Named
The complaint names several parties as responsible for Caleb’s death and the culture that allowed it:
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Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
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The fraternity’s Lambda Alpha and Beta Sigma chapters
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The Ninth District of Omega Psi Phi
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Individual fraternity members
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The State of Louisiana, through the Southern University Board of Supervisors
Family and Attorneys Call for Accountability
“Caleb’s death was not an accident. It was the result of reckless and dangerous hazing practices that Omega Psi Phi and others knew about, ignored, and allowed to persist,” said attorneys for the Wilson family, Jonathon Fazzola, who also represented the Gruver family in their wrongful death case after their son, Max, died in 2017 following a hazing incident at Louisiana State University, and Rob Marionneaux. “This lawsuit is about accountability and ending a culture of secrecy and abuse that has destroyed too many lives.”
The Wilson family has made clear that their lawsuit is not about financial compensation, but about accountability and reform.
“Since Caleb’s death, we have discovered the horrifying truth about underground pledging, hazing, and the needless loss of life caused by longstanding and dangerous so-called traditions. We intend to honor Caleb by doing everything we can to end hazing and to work toward building a culture where love, respect, and accountability replace hazing once and for all,” the family said in a statement released through their attorneys.
Pushing for Change Beyond One Tragedy
Caleb Wilson’s death is part of a troubling pattern of hazing-related deaths on college campuses nationwide. Despite decades of official bans, dangerous underground practices continue to thrive in secrecy. Attorneys for the Wilson family argue that without stronger oversight from universities and accountability for fraternities, more lives will be put at risk.
The lawsuit seeks not only justice for Caleb and his family but also broader reform. By exposing the events that led to his death, the Wilsons hope to shine a light on the dangers of hazing and push institutions to take action that goes beyond policies on paper. The family’s legal team emphasizes that this case should serve as a call to universities, fraternities, and national organizations to eliminate hazing once and for all.
Media Inquiries
The Wilson family is not offering additional public comment at this time. All questions should be directed to their legal representatives.
Media Contacts:
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Laborde Earles Law Firm – (337) 282-9205; media@labordeearles.com
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The Fierberg National Law Group – (231) 933-0180; media@tfnlgroup.com
