WINSTON-SALEM, NC – The Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) community is reeling from the sudden and tragic deaths of three beloved students, Kharis McGee, Quentin Glass, and Chaz Zoey Williams. Each of them had an undeniable impact on the campus and the hearts of their peers, leaving behind a legacy of love, inspiration, and community.
22-year-old Kharis McGee passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital, after battling a courageous fight with cancer. According to her family, Kharis was surrounded by loved ones at the time of her passing. Her loss has left a profound void in the lives of her friends, family, and the WSSU student body. Kharis will be remembered for her strength, resilience, and the warmth she shared with those around her.
A Celebration of Life for Kharis Jane’t McGee will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 12:00 PM.
Quentin Glass, a WSSU student known for his vibrant spirit and energy, tragically lost his life in an accident, with family members confirming his untimely death. The details surrounding his passing are still emerging, but his family has announced the funeral arrangements, which are as follows:
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Family Hour and Greeting: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
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Service: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
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Location: New Living Word Discipleship and Worship Center, 7513 Broome’s Old Mill Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173.
The WSSU community is united in grief as we remember Quentin’s warmth, humor, and the positivity he brought to his friends and fellow students.
Lastly, the sudden passing of Chaz Zoey Williams, a cherished daughter and sister, has left an air of sorrow over the campus. While details surrounding her death have not been fully disclosed, her memory continues to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Chaz’s vibrant presence and compassionate nature will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to cross her path.
WSSU Community Grieves Together
The loss of these three students has deeply affected the WSSU campus, with many expressing their shock and sorrow. The entire university family—students, faculty, staff, and alumni—are mourning this heartbreaking loss, coming together to support one another during this incredibly difficult time.
WSSU President Dr. Elwood L. Robinson shared the university’s grief, saying, “It is with heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking loss of three cherished members of our WSSU family: Kharis McGee, Quentin Glass, and Chaz Zoey Williams. Each of these students brought light, promise, and purpose to our campus. Their presence touched many lives, and their absence will be deeply felt by classmates, faculty, staff, and the entire WSSU Ramily. As we mourn this unimaginable loss, we also honor their lives, legacies, and the impact they made on our campus.”
The university has also set up grief counseling sessions for students, faculty, and staff members affected by the loss, offering a space for reflection, healing, and remembrance. Many students have gathered in informal memorials, lighting candles and sharing memories in honor of their late peers.
A Lasting Impact: Remembering Kharis McGee
Kharis McGee was known for her strength and grace throughout her battle with cancer. Despite her illness, Kharis remained a beacon of positivity, always uplifting those around her. She was a compassionate friend and a dedicated student, admired for her commitment to her education and her future.
Her family shared in an emotional statement, “Kharis fought hard, and though we mourn her loss, we take comfort in the knowledge that she was surrounded by love until the very end. She had a heart that was bigger than her body, and she made an impact on everyone she met. Her memory will live on through the lives she touched.”
Kharis’ friends and fellow students have remembered her as someone who was always there for others, no matter the circumstances. Her passing has sparked a movement within the WSSU community to raise awareness for cancer research, with several student organizations planning fundraisers in her honor.
Honoring the Life of Quentin Glass
Quentin Glass’ untimely passing in an accident has left his family and the WSSU community in deep mourning. A bright and ambitious student, Quentin was known for his infectious smile and his willingness to help others. Friends remember him as someone who was always ready to lend a hand, whether in class or during campus events.
His family released a heartfelt tribute, “Quentin had a bright future ahead of him. He was full of life, and his energy was unmatched. His passing has left a hole in our hearts, but we take solace in knowing that he will never be forgotten. He will always be a part of the WSSU family, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.”
A Loving Memory of Chaz Zoey Williams
Chaz Zoey Williams’ passing has left a profound impact on the WSSU campus, with friends and classmates remembering her as a loving daughter, sister, and friend. Though details about her passing remain scarce, the community has come together to honor her life and legacy. Chaz’s ability to connect with others and bring joy to any room she entered will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Her friends shared their memories of her in a statement, saying, “Chaz had this infectious energy about her. She could always make you laugh, even on the hardest days. Losing her is a tragedy, but we find comfort in knowing that her spirit will live on in each of us. We will miss her dearly.”
The WSSU Family Comes Together
In this time of unimaginable loss, the WSSU community has shown the true meaning of family. The collective grief felt across the campus has brought students, faculty, and staff closer together. Many have shared messages of support on social media, using the hashtag #WSSURamily to show their solidarity during this difficult time.
Campus leaders have also announced plans to create permanent memorials for the three students, ensuring their legacies live on for years to come. The student body has vowed to honor their memory by continuing to embody the kindness, love, and community spirit that they so effortlessly shared.
As the WSSU family continues to grieve the loss of Kharis, Quentin, and Chaz, the university reminds students, faculty, and staff to support one another in the coming weeks. Counseling and mental health services are available to all who need them, and community events are planned to help everyone come together in support of the families.
A Call for Unity and Support
In this sorrowful time, WSSU has urged its community to remain united and offer support to the families and friends of Kharis, Quentin, and Chaz. The student body is encouraged to join in commemorating their lives and legacies, keeping them in thoughts and prayers.
The university’s message is clear: “We will honor our loved ones by carrying forward their light and spirit. Their time with us was brief, but the impact they made will last forever. They are forever a part of the WSSU Ramily.”
This story is developing. Stay tuned for updates.