Winston-Salem State University student killed in Fayetteville crash

A student and football player at Winston-Salem State University was killed in a car crash Saturday in Fayetteville.

Posted 2:24 p.m. Nov 19, 2018 — Updated 2:24 p.m. Nov 19, 2018

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — A student and football player at Winston-Salem State University was killed in a car crash Saturday in Fayetteville.

According to the school, Johnathan Gilmore was a freshman and a member of the university's football team. He had planned to major in business.

An email sent to students and staff Monday from Vice Chancellor Jaime Hunt read:

"Johnathan was a promising member of the Ram Family with a bright future. As a campus community, we grieve for him and for his family and friends. Students are encouraged to reach out to the Student Wellness Center at 336-750-3301 if you need emotional support."

Gilmore was a former all-conference tight end at South View High School. According to the Fayetteville Observer, the 18-year-old had come home for the weekend and watched South View defeat Wake Forest Heritage in the first round of the state 4-A playoffs Friday.

"There hasn’t been a dry eye since I found out," said South View coach Rodney Brewington, who learned the news Sunday. “It was a shock to everyone. I took it hard...He’s part of us. He was with our team less than 365 days ago. He’s been to several of our games this year, and he was on our sideline Friday night cheering us on."

The Fayetteville Observer reported that Gilmore signed last February to play for NCAA Division II Winston-Salem State and saw action mainly on special teams as a freshman. Gilmore completed his first collegiate season on Nov. 3 against his hometown school, Fayetteville State.

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