Tragedy Strikes Titan Family

Jon Wilhite

Courtney Stewart

Car Crash Claims Life of CSUF Student, Injures Alumnus

Cal State Fullerton graduate Jon Wilhite (B.A. communications- entertainment studies ’08) and sophomore Courtney Stewart, a communications major, were the victims of an auto collision April 9 that left three dead. Stewart, who was driving, was killed, and Wilhite was critically injured when their car was broadsided by a minivan. He was rushed to UCI Medical Center and is undergoing treatment. Two other passengers in Stewart’s vehicle were killed, Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart and law school student Henry Nigel Pearson.

Responses From the Campus Community

Celebration of Life: A Remembrance of Courtney Stewart

A remembrance of student Courtney Stewart, sponsored by Cal State Fullerton chapter of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, is set for April 15. Click to learn more about activities "in support of the Jon Wilhite and the family of Courtney Stewart".

Trust Fund Established to Help Jon Wilhite

A trust fund has been established for Jon Wilhite, and donations can be made to the Benefit Fund for Jon Wilhite, #3980643658, at any Wells Fargo branch.

Scholarships in Honor of Courtney Stewart

Donations are welcome for scholarships for Alpha Chi Omega and can be made online.

In lieu of flowers, donations also can be made in Courtney Stewart’s name to the “Be Perfect Foundation” founded by her childhood friend, Hal Hargrave. He suffered a life-altering car accident just six weeks after his high school graduation, which left him a quadriplegic. Donations can be made online in Stewart’s name OR via check* by mailing directly to:

Be Perfect Foundation
2700 N. Garey Ave.
Pomona, CA 91767

Please write in Courtney Stewart’s name in the memo section of your check or in the honor/tribute section online.

From the Family of Jon Wilhite

"Thank you for the continued support of our son. To find out how he's doing visit his Caringbridge website. Also, we know when he's feeling better he'd love to read your posts on his guestbook. Feel free to pass this on to anyone else that would be interested."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Courtney, Henry and Nick's families as they deal with this horrific tragedy. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support we have received since this senseless act of violence and ask for your continued prayers for Jon's recovery."

Two Teams Will Walk in Courtney's Honor in May MADD Walk-a-Thon

Additionally, two CSUF teams of walkers will be taking part in the May 9 MADD Walk-a-Thon in Huntington Beach. One team will consist of Stewart’s sorority sisters and members of other campus Greek organizations, and another, in Stewart’s honor, of her CSUF Cheer Squad members. The latter has been organized by former CSUF Cheer Coach Carol May. To support the CSUF Alpha Chi Omega team and make donations in Stewart's memory, click on the Alpha Chi Omega team site; to support the CSUF Cheer Team walkers and make donations in Stewart’s memory, click on the CSUF Cheer Team site.

Dr. Robert L. Palmer, Vice President for Student Affairs

“Those of us who study and work at California State University, Fullerton were saddened to learn of the death of Courtney Stewart, one of our outstanding students. Courtney contributed in a very positive way to campus life, serving on the 2007 – 2008 CSUF Cheer Squad and as a very active member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. Our hearts go out to Courtney’s family, friends, and sorority sisters. She will be missed. Our thoughts are also with Jon Wilhite, our alumnus and former baseball player, as he recuperates from this terrible accident. Our campus community has come together to support and comfort one another through this difficult time.”

CSU Fullerton Chapter – Alpha Chi Omega

“All of us are deeply saddened and shocked at the terrible loss of our dear friend and sister, Courtney Stewart. Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time, and also to those mourning the loss of the other victims in this tragedy. We appreciate all the support we have already received from the university and the campus community. Thank you for respecting our privacy and space as we grieve.”

Carol Ames, Assistant Professor of Communications

“Jon was in one of my capstone classes in the entertainment and tourism concentration a couple of years ago. I remember him as a serious student. He was part of a team that developed what we call capstone projects—where they complete a business plan for an original entertainment company. His team did an excellent job in researching, writing, creating and presenting this project. So, Jon was not only great on athletic teams but on academic teams as well . . . “Of course, all the faculty, staff and students of the College of Communications want to wish him a complete recovery.”

Alana Northrop, Professor of Political Science

(Courtney was a student in her ”Introduction to American Government” course)

“She always sat up in the front row, was very bright, very engaged, very respectful and always friendly to everyone — she would just sit down and be nice. I thought the world of her; she was so beautiful, so bright. There was no stuck-up-ness, she was genuine, a very special person, her parents did a great job. She was committed to learning and thinking about what you were saying. She was always engaged in class — kind of a perfect student and certainly a good CSUF citizen. Just before spring break, I asked her what she was going to be doing, and Courtney told me that she was taking some of her sorority sisters with her to her parents’ house in Lake Havasu. I remember I told her to be careful, especially with all the drinking and driving and she said ‘of course.’ . . . How tragic.”

Genelle Belmas, Assistant Professor of Communications

“I remember Jon from my media law class. That is a tough course, and he was a hard worker, who always attended class. He is just such a nice guy. He always had a smile and a greeting. My heart just goes out to him and all my best wishes for his recovery.”

David Christian, Lecturer in Women’s Studies

(Courtney and Jon were students in his 2007 “Introduction to Gender Studies” classes)

“Courtney was a vibrant, engaging, wonderful student. She was very engaged, commenting about the subject … she was contagious in class. She was one of those students — with her cheerleading, sorority and attending classes — that seemed to be a student who really wanted to get the most our of her college experience. There was such a vibrancy about her. Right when I saw her photo I knew, I remembered her. Jon was one of four or five other ball players attending the class, and he was definitely the senior of the group. They sat around him and followed his lead. When he was there, they knew to pay attention and be engaged in the class. … They called him ‘Crash’ after the character in the movie “Bull Durham” — he seemed to really command respect of his fellow teammates. … He has a wonderful sense of humor.”

Natalie M. Fousekis, Associate Professor of History and Director of the Center for Oral and Public History

(Courtney Stewart was a student in her "U.S. History Survey" course this spring.)

“Courtney was a kind of student that you loved to have in class as a professor. She was always there; she was always interested; she always participated and had something to say — that’s what I was thankful about having her in class. She sat near the front, always smiling, made me feel like she was interested in what I had to say. We discussed the Japanese internment and how young men were asked to serve the U.S. in the military. I asked the class what they would do. Courtney, like about half the class, said she would serve because that would be the ultimate way to prove your patriotism. We read "Desert Exile," by Yoshiko Ushida, and Courtney wrote in her paper on the book about how it helped her understand internment on a human level. I also had conversations with her about Greek life. She talked about how it was an important part of her life.”

Athletics Director Brian Quinn

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Courtney Stewart and Jon Wilhite. The world of athletics is not equipped for these kind of tragic events.”

Coverage from the Daily Titan

Sorority mourns loss of sister
In a tragic car crash, a journalism student loses her life

ASI landslide victory overshadowed by tragedy
'On the ballot' candidates Juliana Santos and Joseph Lopez succeed in student election

Former Titan baseball player in critical condition following car crash
Despite injuries, Jon Wilhite is expected to survive, hospital officials say

Media Coverage

Los Angeles Times 4-10-09
For the Angels, a promising young arm arrives -- and then is lost

Orange County Register 4-9-09
Titans play but their minds are on seriously injured ex-teammate

Orange County Register 4-10-09
Angel pitcher will be honored at tonight's game with Boston

Orange County Register 4-10-09
Angels fans gather at stadium to mourn Adenhart

KCBS-2/KCAL-9
College Mourns Driver In Angels’ Pitcher Crash

KTLA/5
(Look for "KTLA:CSUF" video clip to the right of the story)
Nick Adenhart Crash

KABC/7
Rookie Pitcher Killed in Car Wreck