Cal State Fullerton mourns death of Dance Team member Destiny Morris, 19

Cal State Fullerton’s Titans Dance Team lost a valued member on Friday, November 14, 2025. Destiny Morris, 19, passed away, leaving the campus community grieving. She was a junior from Northridge, California with dreams that reached far beyond dance.

A Light That Shone Bright

Destiny arrived at California State University, Fullerton with big dreams. She wanted to join the renowned Titans Dance Team—and she achieved that goal. She proudly became a member of the elite 2025-2026 dance team, a prestigious honor at the university.

Beyond the dance floor, Destiny showed her depth and character. She was a devoted member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, initiated in spring of this year. She quickly became integral to the Theta Phi Chapter at CSUF. She was also involved with Tusk Magazine, the student-produced lifestyle publication.

Those who knew her remembered her infectious spirit. Bella Escabedo, a fellow dance team member, stressed Destiny’s determination. “She had such a sweet and pure soul,” Escabedo said. “She never gave up or quit on anything that was hard.” Escabedo highlighted how Destiny inspired teammates to push through obstacles.

“Her smile and laughter truly lit up every room and inspired all of us to carry the same positivity,” her sorority sisters shared. They noted that Destiny made everyone feel loved and cared for.

Community Mourning and Support

The passing of Destiny Morris sent shockwaves through the CSUF campus community. Multiple organizations released heartfelt statements expressing their grief. Tusk Magazine adviser Marie Loggia-Kee told the Daily Titan how deeply this loss affected everyone.

“It’s heartbreaking and shocking to lose Destiny,” Loggia-Kee said. The upcoming edition of Tusk Magazine will include work from Destiny as a writer and model. Her contributions will serve as a lasting tribute to her creativity and spirit.

By Your Side Dance Studio, where Destiny also danced, established a GoFundMe page. The community has rallied behind her family, raising over $13,000 as of November 19. Deborah Perez, owner of the studio, announced plans for a memorial gathering there with details coming soon.

Support Available for Campus

CSUF has made counseling resources available to students and staff hurting from this loss. Students can reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services on campus. Employees and staff can seek support through MyLifeMatters Care Center.

Official Tributes and Future Remembrance

The official university response highlighted Destiny’s deep impact on those around her. Cal State Fullerton Athletics announced that a moment of silence will honor her memory. The tribute will take place on Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 PM before the Men’s Basketball Big West Conference Home Opener versus Cal Poly.

Zeta Tau Alpha national leadership also released a statement. “Her natural way of making everyone feel loved and cared for set her apart,” they shared. The national fraternity expressed deepest sympathies to her family during this difficult period.

Destiny’s involvement extended beyond campus. She worked with By Your Side Dance Studio, serving as both a dancer and teacher. Her colleagues there described her as a beloved friend whose passion for dance inspired all who knew her.

Who Was Destiny Morris?

Born and raised in Northridge, California, Destiny brought Los Angeles pride to the CSUF community. As a junior communication major with a finance minor, she balanced academics with her passion for dance. Her aspirations extended to becoming a role model through performance and storytelling.

What made Destiny exceptional was her resilience and infectious optimism. She never backed down from challenges. Instead, she used difficulties as motivation for herself and others. Dance team members noted that her presence brought joy to rehearsals and performances alike.

Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched. Fellow dancer Bella Escabedo captured it perfectly: “We will always and forever be dancing for you Destiny.” This sentiment reflects the lasting impact she had on her teammates and the entire CSUF family.

What Comes Next for the Community?

The CSUF community continues to process this tragic loss through various means. The planned memorial on December 4 will be the first official public tribute. Many campus organizations are planning additional remembrances to celebrate Destiny’s life.

For those wishing to support Destiny’s family, the GoFundMe page remains active. By Your Side Dance Studio will also hold a memorial service with further details announced later.

Mental health resources remain available for anyone affected by this loss. Cal State Fullerton encourages students and staff to seek support during this difficult time. The university community stands together in honoring Destiny’s memory.

How to Honor Destiny’s Memory

Students and staff can participate in the December 4 moment of silence at the Men’s Basketball game. Additionally, the GoFundMe page allows anyone to contribute to her family’s fund. Finally, attending the upcoming By Your Side Dance Studio memorial will celebrate her passion and spirit.

A Life Worth Celebrating

While grief fills the CSUF community right now, so does celebration of Destiny’s remarkable life. She accomplished more in nineteen years than many do in a lifetime. Her determination, optimism, and love for others set her apart.

The Titans Dance Team will carry her memory with every performance. Zeta Tau Alpha sisters will continue embodying the values she lived. And everyone who knew Destiny will remember her smile, her laughter, and her unshakeable spirit.

Sources

• Cal State Fullerton Athletics – Official statement on Destiny Morris passing
• Daily Titan – Campus news coverage of Destiny Morris and community response
• Zeta Tau Alpha National Fraternity – Announcement of sister’s passing at CSUF chapter