Humble, dedicated, and inquisitive—BU freshman wrestler Dontae Miller had several notable qualities in the eyes of his teammates. Following Dontae’s tragic passing on Saturday night, the wrestling team and other members of the Rams community met on Sunday afternoon to share laughs over the memories they made with him and tears over the memories they will never have the opportunity to make.
Bluefield University mourns the loss of student-athlete, Dontae Miller, 18, of Clifton Forge, VA. He graduated from Alleghany High School, where he was a wrestling standout, winning the regional championship and competing for the state title.
“Dontae made an incredible impact on our campus community over his short time at Bluefield,” Athletic Director Corey Mullins said. “He was a tireless worker, a committed student-athlete, and a true servant leader on campus. Please join us as we honor Dontae’s memory and lift up his family and friends during this time of sadness.”
From the way he encouraged his fellow wrestlers to when he shaved his head to raise awareness for childhood cancer, Dontae left a substantial impression on his friends and professors in his brief time on campus. Anyone who spent time with him believed they were seeing early glimpses of greatness—a greatness they hope to cultivate in themselves and others as their way of honoring him.
“Dontae made us all better in our too-short time with him, and we’re going to honor him by living our lives the way he lived his,” Wrestling Coach Jason Waelti said.
To the BU wrestling team and Dontae’s additional friends, please do not hesitate to seek mental, emotional, and spiritual support in this time of grief and confusion. Director of Counseling Services Emily Cook, Campus Pastor Mason West, and our entire faculty and staff are here to support you no matter how much time you need to process this tragedy. We are praying for you to experience healing and peace.