Ethan David White Obituary, ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Ethan David White, 22, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, died on August 31, 2026, following a lengthy and courageous battle with diffuse midline glioma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. His passing has brought sadness to his family, friends, and the University of Michigan community.
White was a 2025 graduate of the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, graduating cum laude. His academic achievement was especially significant because he spent more than half of his college years fighting cancer.
Beyond the classroom, White was an inspiring snare drummer with the Michigan Marching Band Drum Line. He took great pleasure in performing with the drum line and hockey band and participated in major collegiate sporting and marching band events, including the Tournament of Roses Parade, the Rose Bowl, the College Football National Championship, and the NCAA Hockey Frozen Four.
White also had a passion for writing and sports. He contributed coverage of various sports to the Michigan Daily and helped co-host the Highway to Hail podcast, which focused on University of Michigan sports. His interests allowed him to remain closely connected to the university community he valued.
Those who knew White remembered him for his enthusiasm, humor, generosity, and ability to form meaningful friendships. His obituary describes him as someone who loved the people in his life, readily reached out to others, and often turned friendships into deep and lasting connections. He was also known for his sense of humor, clever one-liners, and warm hugs.
White loved to travel and embraced opportunities to experience unfamiliar places, people, cultures, and food. His obituary also highlights his remarkable determination throughout his illness. Despite facing a terminal diagnosis, he maintained his humor and continued living with the same tenacity that had defined his life.
He is survived by his parents, Michelle Sherman and Dr. Eric White; his sister, Rebecca White; his grandmother, Gail White; aunts and uncles; close-knit Chicago cousins; and many friends. His sister Rebecca also shared a personal tribute following his death, writing that she would love him forever and that he would always be her big brother.
Funeral services for Ethan David White are scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Temple Beth Emeth in Ann Arbor, with Rabbi Joshua Whinston serving as clergy. Shiva will be held on September 3 and September 7 from 3 to 8 p.m. at the home of Dr. Eric White in Ann Arbor. Those wishing to honor White’s memory may make a contribution to the Chad Tough Foundation. Ethan David White’s memory will remain with the family, friends, university community, and many others whose lives he touched.
