Campus News

Contact Rita Elliott, Director of Communications, 815-226-3374

Updated, 10:29 a.m.

Rockford University received information late Tuesday evening, February 16, 2016, regarding a fatal traffic accident involving three current RU students and one former RU student. Details are as follows and were shared with the campus community from Dean of Students Lisa Hetzel:

“We are deeply saddened to report that student Desiree Wease and former RU student Demonte Wigfall died as a result of an automobile accident on I-90. Additionally, students Daijon Davis and Stephen Taylor were injured. Daijon was treated and released. Stephen remains hospitalized. A team of Rockford University personnel was at the hospital with our students and their families to offer support and assistance.

The loss of these young and vibrant lives shakes our community to its core. There is no way to ever be prepared for such loss and it is difficult to find words to express our grief and sympathies to the families and friends of all involved. The University’s Lang Center for Health and Counseling Services is available to offer support to all members of the campus community.”

A campus meeting, led by President Robert L. Head was held on Wednesday, Feb. 17, at 9 a.m in the Seaver Gym to share the most recent information and to have grief counselors available. RU Counselors and clergy members from the community have made themselves available to assist anyone who is in need.

All involved in the accident are first year students. Demonte was a member of the Rockford University football team, along with Daijon and Stephen. Desiree was a member of the spirit squad.

Deceased Demonte Wigfall is from Godfrey, Ill.; Desiree Wease, from Markham, Ill.; Injured students Stephen Taylor, Chicago, Ill., and Daijon Davis, Zion, Ill.