It is with deep sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Ella Carroll Whiteman, an 18-year-old student at Furman University in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. Ella, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, was found unresponsive in her campus residence on the evening of Sunday, November 9, 2025.
According to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, emergency medical personnel responded to 1101 Soho Circle shortly after 7:00 p.m., where Ella was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene. An autopsy has been conducted, and the cause and manner of death remain pending further studies and testing. The case is under active investigation by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, the Furman University Police Department, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Ella was a bright, kind, and compassionate young woman whose presence illuminated every room she entered. Friends and classmates remember her as a thoughtful soul with a contagious smile and a deep sense of empathy for others. At Furman, she had already made a lasting impression on both peers and faculty for her dedication to learning and her willingness to lend a helping hand to those around her.
A proud graduate of an Atlanta-area high school, Ella was known for her academic excellence, artistic creativity, and genuine warmth. She was deeply loved by her family, friends, and community, all of whom are struggling to comprehend this profound loss.
In a statement, university officials expressed their condolences, saying that Ella was a cherished member of the Furman community and that counseling services are being made available to students, faculty, and staff affected by her passing.
As the investigation continues, Ella’s loved ones ask for privacy and prayers as they navigate the unimaginable pain of her loss. Plans for a memorial service and opportunities for remembrance will be announced at a later date.
Gone far too soon, Ella Whiteman’s light will forever shine in the hearts of all who knew her — a beautiful reminder of kindness, laughter, and love that touched so many in her short but meaningful life.
May she rest in eternal peace.
