A former Elon student was struck and killed by a car while walking Northbound with traffic, on the right side of Interstate 85 late Saturday night, according to Sgt. Popeck of the Guilford County Sheriff's Office.
Sheldon Roberson, 23, was pronounced dead at the scene after being hit by a vehicle, according to State Highway Patrol Trooper A.R. Carter. Sargent Popeck confirmed that suicide has been ruled out of the investigation.
Roberson wrecked his car off the interstate about 200 yards from where he was struck and began walking along the highway between Greensboro and High Point, according to reports.
Roberson was a student with senior class standing who did not enroll for spring semester, according to University Communications. He visited the area for a wedding and was returning to his home in Spartanburg, S.C.
Roberson worked closely with the Xi Omicron chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Amber Glenn-Thomas, Lauren Wilmer and Shakinah Simeona are members of the sorority and said Roberson was their 2011-2012 chapter Sweetheart.
"Sheldon was a shining light of change, laughter, and love for the Xi Omicron family," the three friends said in a statement on behalf of the sorority. "Sheldon was ever present with kind words, helping hands, and creative ideas. He was always a ray of sunshine: happy, funny and always ready to help out a friend in need."
Roberson was also a member of the Gospel Choir, the Praise Team, and the assistant costume designer for the recent Ragtime production, according to an email from Smith Jackson, Dean of Students at Elon. "His faculty and peers described him as a positive and very well liked person who was meticulous in his work, often setting the bar for his fellow students," Jackson said.
Friends of Roberson shared their thoughts with ELN after hearing the news.
"I am a better person, a better friend and a better man for having known Sheldon," says Elon alum Dan Quackenbush. "Elon will always be an even more beautiful and sacred place for us all simply for Sheldon having been a part of it."
"Sheldon was such a friendly guy," says fellow Theater Production and Design major Danielle Basirico. "He was always smiling and always full of sass. And he was so good at what he did...and his work was fabulous."
According to Jackson's email, sent Monday morning to all students, faculty and staff, Chaplains and counselors will be available throughout the week during normal working hours. They may also be reached at any time, through the Campus Safety and Security Office.
The visitation and funeral arrangements will be in Roberson's hometown of Spartanburg, South Carolina. The visitation will be Wednesday, June 4, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Woodward Mortuary. The funeral service will be Thursday, June 5, at noon at the New Life of Excellence Church.
The investigation of the accident is ongoing. Elon Local News will update this article as new information is available.