Tragedy Hits WSSU: Three Class of 2026 Students Pass Away
The campus of Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is grieving after the heartbreaking loss of three students from the Class of 2026.
In an emotional Facebook post on Thursday, July 31, the university shared:
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking loss of three cherished members of our WSSU family: Chaz Zoey Williams, Kharis McGee, and Quentin Glass.”
“All three brought light, promise, and purpose to our campus,” the post said.
Who Were the WSSU Students?
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Chaz Zoey Williams, 22 – A senior biology major, Williams died on July 12, 2025.
Her uncle said she passed away after a battle with cancer.
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Kharis McGee, 22 – Also a senior biology major, McGee died on July 25, 2025. A CaringBridge site says she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, in 2021. She is believed to have died from her fight to cancer.
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Quentin Glass, 21 – A senior information technology major, former student-athlete, and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Glass passed on July 26, 2025. His cause of death is still unknown.
All three were young, gifted, and Black — pursuing greatness at one of the nation’s proudest HBCUs.
Kharis McGee’s Fight With Cancer
McGee started her WSSU journey in August 2020. But by October of that year, she began experiencing arm pain after a workout. A biopsy confirmed she had osteosarcoma, a malignant tumor that affects bone-forming cells called osteoblasts, per the American Cancer Society.
Despite the odds, she continued to fight while pursuing her dreams.
North Carolina Mom Dies Just Feet From Daughter’s High School Graduation in Winston-Salem
Their sudden passing has shocked the campus and sparked an outpouring of grief. Friends, professors, and loved ones have taken to social media, remembering the legacies of Williams, McGee, and Glass.
Each of them brought light to WSSU. Their ambition, character, and presence will be missed deeply.
Fly high, Rams. Rest in Power.
