Cal State Fullerton Mourns Dance Team Member Destiny Morris; Campus Reels After Second Recent Student Death

Cal State Fullerton announced the Nov. 17 death of 19-year-old dance team member Destiny Morris, who was found in a vehicle on Nov. 14; her death is under investigation. The announcement follows the Nov. 7 death of sophomore soccer player Lauren Turner, who had been hospitalized after a Sept. 27 e-scooter crash that also injured teammate Ashlyn Gwynn. Gwynn remains hospitalized and is entering a lengthy rehabilitation program. The campus community has shared tributes and set up fundraising pages to support the families.

12:44 AM, 11/22/2025Society

California State University, Fullerton is grieving the loss of 19-year-old Titans Dance Team member Destiny Morris, whose death was announced by the university and the dance team on Nov. 17. A case record from the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner shows Morris was found in a vehicle on Nov. 14; authorities say the cause of death is under investigation.

The Titans Dance Team released a statement saying the community is heartbroken and remembering Morris for her energy and positivity.

“Though we grieve deeply, we take comfort in knowing she is now dancing with the angels, her spirit forever moving with grace above us,” the team wrote. “She will forever remain part of our Titans family.”

Morris’s sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, also paid tribute. Melissa Hashem, the chapter’s vice president of campus relations and incoming chapter president, said Morris’s smile and laughter "lit up every room" and that she made people feel loved and cared for.

The announcement comes just one week after the university announced the Nov. 7 death of sophomore soccer player Lauren Turner. Turner had been hospitalized for six weeks after suffering severe head trauma in a Sept. 27 e-scooter crash that also critically injured teammate Ashlyn Gwynn.

Turner’s family had said she was "severely injured" and was moved to hospice after battling head trauma. In an update to supporters they wrote, “Our hearts are broken, and our family is forever changed.”

Ashlyn Gwynn remains hospitalized but has shown signs of improvement. According to her family’s update, she was moved to a "Step Down" unit and will undergo several weeks of inpatient rehabilitation in Houston, followed by extensive outpatient therapy that could last up to two years.

Both the Sept. 27 collision and Morris’s death are under investigation. University officials and local authorities have not released additional details pending those inquiries.

Members of the campus community continue to share memories of Morris as "determined, dedicated, and a breath of fresh air." Friends and family have started fundraising pages to help cover medical and funeral expenses, and the university has offered resources for students affected by the losses.

“She never failed to have a smile on her face and would always laugh at everyone’s jokes,” the Titans Dance Team added. “She inspired us to push through any obstacles that came our way. We will always and forever be dancing for you, Destiny.”