FRESHMAN ETHAN ROSER, age 19, passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2017. A member of the men’s soccer team known for his passion for evangelism and theology, Ethan died as the result of a tragic accident while volunteering at a Wheaton College track and field meet north of campus at Lawson Field. Ethan transferred to Wheaton in January 2017. He studied theology, was active on his floor in Fischer Hall, was part of a weekly Bible study, trained daily with Wheaton’s soccer team, worked two jobs, was involved with Young Life, and frequently traveled downtown with Wheaton’s Chicago Evangelism Team. 

“Ethan loved telling people about our Lord,” classmate and suitemate Sean Luke ’19 says. “He also knew the urgency of the Great Commission. We can look to his life and imitate him as he imitated Christ, learning how to share the gospel with our neighbors.” 

Born in Zimbabwe, Africa, to Mark and Patricia Roser of Loveland, Ohio, Ethan was looking forward to an opportunity to play soccer at a semi-pro level and work as an intern at a church in Cincinnati during the summer of 2017. He planned to pursue a career in ministry. 

“Ethan had a wonderful personality— the players took to him, and they loved him,” Head Men’s Soccer Coach Jake DeClute ’99, M.A. ‘06, says. “It was really special to be his coach. It was a privilege and an honor.”