Kendall Wernet: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Kendall Wernet died after falling from the mast of a cruise ship close to Miami Harbor early on the morning of September 29. The 20-year-old was a junior at Clemson University.

Here’s what you need to know:


1. The Cruise Trip Was a Prize That Wernet Won

According to the Anderson Independent Mail, Wernet won a Bahamas cruise as a reward for his student painting business around the Asheville-area of North Carolina. WYFF reports that Wernet was traveling on board the Carnival Cruise ship Ecstasy.


2. He Was a Management Major

Wernet, who was a junior at Clemson, was a management major. According to a fellow-student, Nick Dalpiaz, Wernet was a business mentor. The two worked together in Wernet’s painting business. Clemson University Dean of Students Shannon Finning said in a statement:

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends, and we stand ready to help them through this difficult time.


3. Wernet Wasn’t Drunk, According to a Friend

His death has been ruled accidental. According to the Miami-Dade County medical examiner, Wernet died of blunt-force trauma after falling 20 feet. It’s believed that Wernet went into a restricted early and began climbing the mast around 7:24 a.m. on September 29, an hour later he was dead. Wernet landed on the deck. His friend, Steve Acorn, told WYFF, that Wernet was not drunk at the time of the fall.


4. He Was a Life Coach

Kendall Wernet Tribute

Wernet pictured with friends in February 2014. (Facebook)

Wernet had a life-coaching business, Driven Vision. He had also written a book about making life decisions. In his book he wrote that he “had ONE opportunity at life and it was time to take on experiences that would challenge him and help him grow.”


5. Since July, 4 Clemson Students Have Died

(Getty)

(Getty)

Wernet is the fourth Clemson student to die since July 1. Most recently on September 22, Clemson student Tucker Hipps, died after falling 20 feet to the water of a cliff area close to the college. Hipps had been participating in a fraternity run.