Gone too soon: WSSU remembers student Jordan Staton

Winston-Salem State University gathered to celebrate the life of a fallen Ram. Jordan Malik Staton, 19, of Wadesboro, NC, passed away from a medical condition on Sept. 29, 2023.

He was a sophomore at WSSU, majoring in psychology, and was a member of the Talent in Motion dance group and Epiphany Modeling Troupe. He was a 2022 graduate of Anson High School.

A prayer vigil was held Oct. 12 at the Clock Tower on campus, attended by his mother, Kim Staton, extended family member Khaliha Staton, executive cabinet members, faculty, staff and students.

In his 19 years, Jordan embraced life with a spirit that was fearless and inspiring, said Dr. Mel Johnson-Norwood, WSSU associate provost and vice chancellor for student development and engagement, at the prayer vigil. His choice to study psychology showed his compassion for others. “He had a natural ability to emphasize, to connect and to understand the intricacies of the human mind.”

Jordan was a beacon of positivity and a passionate dancer, Johnson-Norwood added. “His energy and enthusiasm were infectious, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he encountered.”

That sentiment was echoed throughout the prayer vigil. Jordan was described by his friends and teammates as someone who encouraged them to be their authentic selves.

One friend, named Emmanuel, described Jordan as “brave” and said Jordan gave him a sense of self-identity. Another friend said Jordan helped him to be comfortable in his own skin and was glad to have experienced his light.

“Jordan’s light, his talent and his joyful spirit touched all who had the privilege to know him,” said Johnson-Norwood. “As we come together to mourn his passing, we must also celebrate the joy he brought into our lives.”

After remarks, those in attendance lit candles in his memory as the song, “Butterfly” by Cleo Sol played over the speakers.

Jordan collapsed on campus on Sept. 27 while practicing with the Epiphany Modeling Troupe. He died two days later at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. He had a condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), in which the heart muscle becomes thickened, making it harder for the heart to pump blood, according to the Mayo Clinic. HCM often goes undiagnosed because it presents few, if any, symptoms. It is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in people younger than 35.

WSSU Chancellor Dr. Anthony Graham said in a statement to the campus that “the sudden loss of Jordan has left our WSSU family in shock and sorrow. We will forever cherish the impact he had on WSSU and those who knew him. We extend our sincere thoughts of comfort and peace to Jordan’s family, friends, and classmates during this difficult time.”

Jordan’s funeral was held Oct. 7 at Smith’s Funeral Home in Wadesboro.