CNU lost one of its own just before winter break, after a car accident claimed the life of 22-year-old William Schlifke, known to most as Cameron. Schlifke’s Volkswagen Jetta was struck Saturday, Nov. 22 by an Acura driven by fellow-student Eric Fowler.

According to the Newport News Police Department, Schlifke was traveling westbound in the far right lane of J. Clyde Morris Boulevard and stopped at a red light. Fowler’s vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed from Jefferson Avenue toward Warwick Boulevard on J. Clyde Morris and crashed into two stopped vehicles. Fowler was arrested at the scene and charged with DUI refusal, reckless driving and under age possession of alcohol.

Schlifke was admitted to Riverside Regional Medical Center, listed in critical condition. He died just before 10 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, from the injuries he sustained in the crash. A second CNU student who was also stopped at the light suffered minor injuries. Fowler was additionally charged with involuntary manslaughter.

On the night of Dec. 2, CNU held a memorial service in the David Student Union ballroom. The room was filled to capacity with people who had come to pay their respects to Schlifke.

After a brief invocation, Nathan Hintz, a brother in Cameron’s frathernity, Pi Lamda Phi, spoke to the crowd. He began by thanking students, faculty, and administration on behalf of his fraternity brothers, as well as the brothers of Kappa Delta Rho. Hintz also announced that donations would be accepted for the Hero Campaign for Designated Drivers.

“I stand here before you without my best friend, without my brother, without Cameron. I know he’s with me, though. I know he’ll be with me everywhere I go, every day of my life,” said Hintz. “We need to put an end to drinking and driving, right here, right now.”

Hintz also talked about fond memories he had of Schlifke, including the first time they met, even though they didn’t get along. He relayed a few stories about his friend and brother, several times eliciting laughter from the crowd with humorous memories.

“We are all Captains, and we all lost somebody we loved,” said Hintz. “We need to stick together to make it through.” He ended his portion by reciting the lyrics of “Brother of Mine Forever,” a traditional Pi Lamda Phi song.

Dr. Eric Duskin of the history department spoke next. He said that in addition to being his academic and fraternity advisor, “Cameron was also my friend.”

Duskin said that Schlifke was in his office almost almost every day, and also shared several memories.

“Put simply, Cameron was a student who valued education, and we in the history department are thankful that Cameron chose to spend much of his time at CNU with us,” said Duskin.

Bill Schlifke, Cameron’s father, was the final speaker. He told a few stories about his son growing up, and emphasized that he was looking forward to graduating and moving on to the next stage of his life.

“That is what he would want the CNU community to do,” said Schlifke. “To move on, to live in the present, but look forward to the future. And the present for CNU students is remembering and honoring Cameron in their own special way, and moving forward.”

“Don’t forget the memories, how much Cameron touched you, his antics and his humor. We all must move forward knowing that Cameron touched our lives,” he concluded.

Following the speeches, a slide show featuring pictures of Cameron with family and friends was displayed. Afterwards, the Newport pearls sang “Amazing Grace.”