Washington Adventist University (WAU) faculty, staff, students, alumni, family, and friends are heartbroken with the loss of Richardson Chatham. On Jan. 22, 2017, Chatham passed away in his sleep. He was 24 years old.

Chatham was an adjunct professor for WAU’s traditional program and a teaching assistant and tutor for the Religion Department. He was a 2013 alumnus of the Takoma Park, Maryland, university, and was pursuing a master’s degree in Religion at WAU's School of Graduate and Professional Studies.

In a news release, WAU officials said: "We extend the deepest condolences to the Chatham family and friends. He will truly be missed."

WAU had a special moment of memory for Chatham on Jan. 23, 2017, during chapel assembly at Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Chatham was an active member of the Spencerville Seventh-day Adventist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland. He is survived by his parents, Delvin and Annette Chatham. Readers are encouraged to "please keep the Chatham family in your prayers as they grieve."

Counseling services are available to students and employees in the Department of Psychology, Wilkinson Hall, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Spiritual support is available through the Office of Campus Ministries, Richards Hall, Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Service information is not yet available. Once known, it will be shared with the WAU community.