Donnie Wade, Jr., passed away on Tuesday,
October 20, 2009, near Hempstead, Texas.

 

Prairie View A&M Student Death
Has Connections to Hopkins County

by: Bobby McDonald

As feared by many, who knew the family, 20 year old Prairie View A&M student, Donnie Wade, Jr., is the son of Hopkins County native, Donnie Wade, Sr., and the grandson of Willie and Norvis Wade. Young Wade was the victim of a possible hazing incident at the university, as he was pledging Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.

Donnie Wade, Sr., father of the victim, says that he and his wife visited with their son at Homecoming activities, for the last time (the weekend of October 17th), and they urged him to quit the pledging, because he seemed afraid. However, the young Wade was intent on becoming a member and undergoing the grueling exercise routines he was required to do.

Witnesses have told the family that Wade joined about 10 other pledges for an exercise routine around the track at Hempstead High School, in the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 20th. While running, he fainted, and those with him took him in a car, with the intent on taking him home. However, when they could not awaken him, they decided to take him to North Cypress Medical Center. Upon arrival at the hospital, Donnie Wade Jr., was dead. Investigators are attempting to determine if hazing influenced the death in any way, as hazing is a crime in Texas schools.

Wade, who had transferred to Prairie View A&M, a year ago, was remembered in a candlelight vigil on the campus of Prairie View A&M, last Thursday night, sponsored by fellow members in the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity. He will also be remembered at a non-violence vigil, planned for Wednesday, October 28th, on campus.

Donnie Wade, Jr. grew up in the Oak Cliff section of Dallas, and is survived by many relatives in Hopkins County.

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