Issue date: 9/5/07 Section: News

Chris Ramos [Click to enlarge]

Chris Ramos [Click to enlarge]

At his memorial in early August, family and friends wrote some of their most treasured memories of Christopher Ramos on pieces of paper that were later compiled into a book for his loved ones. Reading over the recollections, words such as passionate, outgoing and kind were used a number of times.

Lexy Riddell, former girlfriend and Sacramento State senior interior design major, said Ramos was "always smiling."

Ramos, a Sac State student, died of multiple blunt-force injuries sustained in an Aug. 4 motorcycle accident, according to the Sacramento County Coroner's Office. He was 22.

Sacramento Police said Ramos was riding his 2006 Honda motorcycle on Howe Avenue near American River Drive when he lost control and crashed into the side of a building.

Since his death, students and faculty members have had time to reflect upon Ramos and the kind of person he was.

Friends said Ramos, a criminal justice major, was inquisitive, yet firm about his opinions and beliefs.

"He had an opinion about everything and he wasn't afraid to share it with you," Riddell said.

Assistant Sociology Professor Kevin Wehr said Ramos was less concerned with graduating and more concerned with learning.

"He was passionate about ideas and often took difficult classes that weren't required for his (major)," Wehr said. "He was a model student in many ways."

"Chris was (more than just) a strong scholar in the classroom," Wehr said. "He was also an engaged student-citizen. His commitment to improving his campus and community will be missed by many of us."

Associated Students Inc. President Christina Romero said Ramos' ultimate goal was to become involved in politics. She said his role as the 2006-07 vice president of University Affairs helped him to develop his interests even more.

"He was most passionate about student housing and environmental causes," Romero said.

Ramos became involved in student government because he wanted to help people and make positive changes.

"He wanted to save the world," Riddell said.

Outside of school and ASI, Ramos was also very involved in his fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon and loved spending time with his fraternity brothers.

"He was a great kid," said Chad Dibble, president of the board of advisers for Tau Kappa Epsilon. "He was really enthusiastic (and) always had ideas…(he) was challenging people to make us the best we could be."

The fraternity, which was suspended last year after not meeting eligibility requirements, is in the process of restructuring its membership and purpose.

"Our goal is to come back to campus (with) some sort of a meaning," Dibble said. "There's a reason fraternities and sororities exist…Chris was a part of all of that. He was really passionate about helping us get back on campus."

In addition to assisting in his fraternity's attempt at reinstatement, Ramos ran for chapter president.

Andy Bowen Lingenfelter, a close friend, said Ramos was always socializing and had the ability to be comfortable in any situation.

"It seemed like every night of the week he was inviting me to go to some different party or function," Lingenfelter said. "He always looked out for me…if I wasn't having a good day, he'd go out of his way to…try to make me laugh or buy me a beer."

Family was the most important thing to Ramos, Lingenfelter said. Whether it was having a poker night at his brother's house or attending a step-sibling's birthday party, Ramos always made family his top priority.

Such a strong emphasis on family is no doubt due to the fact that Ramos' father and stepmother were killed in a car accident in 2001. Ramos was also in the car at the time of the accident.

"He didn't take (life) for granted," Riddell said.

Natalye Childress Smith can be reached at ncsmith@statehornet.com.

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