Rowan student dies from injuries sustained in automobile accident

Rowan student Charis Wilson, a senior marketing major and dance minor from Marlton, NJ, died on Monday after sustaining severe injuries as the result of a car accident on Nov. 6.

The three others who were in the car, including her sister Chanelle Wilson, a Rowan graduate, are all fine, according to Richard Jones, vice president of Student Life.

Though Charis sustained burns over 90 percent of her body as a result of the car accident, she fought hard to stay alive, according to Jones.

“She fought a good fight. She would be doing better and then something else would happen. They did everything they could for her,” Jones said.

Over the last few weeks students, faculty and other members of the Rowan community have visited Charis and her family in the hospital.

“Just the way that so many people have rallied around Charis’s family has just been remarkable,” Jones said.

The way Rowan has come together as a community to support Charis and her family reminds Jones of how the university came together as a community as well in wake of the earthquake and Hurricane Irene this past summer.

“That’s what Rowan is about. That’s the Rowan that I love where we all come together and we support one another and we embrace one another and we just love each other and that’s who she was,” Jones said. He hopes that the community will continue to honor Charis’s memory in a similar way: as a family.

“How we move forward will be a testimony to her life. That we embrace each other in love, respect and remember that it’s not important to get caught up in petty things, but to always love and look out for one another,” Jones said.

As Charis was a member of many facets of the university, including Resident Assistants, Greek Life and the Plethora dance team, many students have been affected by her death.

“Charis was a great friend to me and last year she was part of my resident assistant staff in Mimosa Hall.  She was a caring and kind person who put many before herself. Our staff last year was extremely close and we all have been thinking of the great memories she has left us with,” said Jaclyn Roth, a senior art education major.

“Not only was she externally beautiful, but this thing that was on the inside of her, this light that came forth, was just awesome,” Jones said. “I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with the family over the last couple of weeks and I know where she gets it from.”

The University community is invited to come together to acknowledge this loss and share your grief this evening, Thursday, Dec. 1, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Student Center Eynon Ballroom. There will be light refreshments. The evening will conclude with a candle light vigil.

More information about Charis’s funeral services will be shared with the Rowan community as soon as the arrangements have been finalized.
If you or someone you know is having difficulty with this news, please feel free to visit the Counseling and Psychological Services Office in Savitz Hall. Counselors are also available 24-hours a day at (856)-256-4222.