Born in Dover, Delaware, Mr. Statham graduated in 2023 from Camden’s Caesar Rodney High School, where he was an honors student. While enrolled at UD, he majored in mechanical engineering and played the mellophone with the University’s marching band. 

Members of the University community shared their reflections:

Adam Cantley, dean of students and assistant vice president of student support and advocacy: “We all carry heavy hearts following the loss of a student in our community. Ethan was bright, creative and ambitious. In only a short period as a UD student, he made an impact on those with whom he interacted and shared classes and campus experiences. On behalf of our University community, we express our sincerest condolences to Ethan’s family and friends.”

Heidi I. Sarver, professor of music and director of the UD Marching Band: “I oversaw Ethan’s summer audition. He came into the room and, while he was nervous, he had great tone and played brilliantly. His peers in the band think so highly of him. Ethan touched the lives of so many — in our band, in our campus community, among his friends, and beyond.”

Haritha Malladi, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering: “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Ethan’s passing. Ethan was an excellent student in my first-year Introduction to Engineering class. He was working with his teammates on a semester-long project to build a board game and he was valued as a teammate and member of this class. Ethan will be missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.”

Mr. Statham’s thirst for knowledge led him to open most conversations with a question. Quite handy, too, he learned to build with wiring or raw materials like string or wood—a trait that inspired a passion and guided his decision to major in mechanical engineering.

Service to others, his family said, was a foundation of his life. From an early age, Mr. Statham helped plant rows of trees in his neighborhood. In raising goats with his family, he installed fencing and even helped the birthing process with some of the baby goats. He supported a Maryland church with broadcasting its ministry during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

His greatest interests included technology, photography and the outdoors. In particular, he was awed by the Appalachian Trail’s grandeur. He was one of the youngest to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout in his troop and later earned the Supernova Award, which recognizes a scout who possesses a high degree of achievement in the STEM fields.

Mr. Statham is survived by his mother and father, Kimberley and Michael, as well as his sister, Emma, and her husband, Kyle, and many other family members who loved him.

Visitation and funeral service details are available through Pippin Funeral Home. The Statham family has created a site where others can express condolences. In lieu of flowers, the family asks others to consider a gift to Boy Scout Troop 154 or contact the Caesar Rodney Band Boosters for a contribution that will support a future memorial scholarship in Mr. Statham’s name.

Resources

For any student in need of support or assistance, Student Life provides a variety of resources.

Students can connect with the Center for Counseling and Student Development at 302-831-2141. In addition, 24-hour support is available through TimelyCare and the UD Help Line at 302-831-1001. Staff members in the Office of the Dean of Students are available to assist any student who wishes to talk. Call 302-831-8939 to schedule an appointment.

Mental health support for UD benefited employees is provided from ComPsych® GuidanceResources®. The link gives steps on how to access services or call 1-877-527-4742 for support.