SPARTANBURG, S.C. – It is with great sadness that the Wofford College Department of Intercollegiate Athletics informs you of the loss of a men's basketball student-athlete, Jeremiah Tate, early Monday morning, June 22.
Tate, a rising junior from Columbia, South Carolina, died from drowning in Lake Wylie, near Charlotte, while serving as a counselor at YMCA Camp Thunderbird. He was 19 years old.
"The entire Wofford College family is devastated and saddened today by the loss of Jeremiah Tate," said Director of Athletics Richard Johnson. "Jeremiah was such a dedicated, loved and respected member of the men's basketball team. He had a wonderful personality and had many friends on campus extending outside of the athletic department. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with his family. He will truly be missed."
In two years on the men's basketball team, Tate played in 13 games. As a freshman on February 10, 2014, he scored his first career basket against Hiwassee, also collecting rebound, a steal, two assists and a blocked shot. Later that season, in the NCAA Tournament against Michigan, Tate got on the floor for the final minutes.
The men's basketall team released the following statement:
"With deep sadness, we are mourning the loss of Jeremiah Tate. Jeremiah was truly a prominent ambassador for Wofford College and our team. He always thought of others first and was the ultimate teammate. Jeremiah was loved by his teammates and coaches and his positive personality was contagious. He was loved throughout campus and his outlook on life was felt by countless people. He will truly be missed and our deepest condolences are with his family"
Jeremiah was an accounting major, a Bonner Scholar, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Pre-Law Society. He had served on Campus Union. He recently was one of 251 nominees for the Allstate Good Works Team.
Jeremiah was a graduate of Lower Richland High School, where he was president of the student body and a member of the National Honor Society. In high school, he played basketball for three years and was named an Academic All-Star. He also ran the hurdles in track, earning All-Region and All-District honors. He was All-Region and All-District in cross country as well.
Jeremiah Tate was born August 6, 1995 in Heidelberg, Germany and is the son of Frank and Carole Tate.
VisitationSaturday, June 27, 2015 - 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Leevy's Funeral Home
1831 Taylor Street
Columbia, S.C. 29201
Funeral ServiceSunday, June 28, 2015 - 2:00 p.m.
Bibleway Church of Atlas Rd.
2440 Atlas Rd.
Columbia, S.C. 29209
Condolences may be sent to the Tate family at 107 Southdown Drive, Columbia, S.C. 29209
