(Updated) Former UD marketing director remembered

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Chapman

Meredith Sullivan Chapman –  a pioneer in the use of digital and social media at the University of Delaware and in the state media community – has died in a murder-suicide.

She was shot and killed by Jennair Gerardot of  Wilmington.

The Chapman family issued the following statement:

“Meredith was a beacon of light to anyone who was fortunate enough to meet her. She loved her family fiercely, was a compassionate friend and among the most talented and innovative professionals in her field. Her death was sudden and tragic, but will not define who she was to the thousands of people who loved her. Her family is devastated, heartbroken and requests privacy and respect as they grieve.”

 “Everyone who knew and worked with Meredith is heartbroken. As a proud alumna of UD, her commitment to her work was exceeded only by her boundless energy,” stated Andrea Boyle Tippett, a spokesperson for the University of Delaware.  “She believed earnestly in the power of communication to bring people together, whether to achieve their collective goals or simply to share their stories. We will miss her.”
 
WDEL  and other media outlets were given a second statement from the family issued through Bellevue Communications with the following excerpt:
 

“While her marriage to Luke had come to an end, it was gratifying to know that their separation and divorce was amicable, that they remained friends and confidants, and that each of them cared very much for the other.” 

The statement came after social media posts and radio talk shows focused on the tragedy. Luke Chapman is a former Newark City Councilman.

Meredith  Chapman

 Meredith Chapman, 33,  was recently named assistant vice president at Villanova University in suburban Philadelphia and had recently moved to a home in Radnor.
 

Chapman was found shot to death shortly after 7 p.m.  in her new home in the unit block of Lowrys Lane. 

Police  found Chapman’s body on the first floor, along with that of Gerardot, 48.  A gun was found under the older woman’s body, police stated. 

Radnor Township Police Superintendent William Colarulo told philly.com that the woman, later identified as Gerardot,  suspected Chapman was having a relationship with her husband.

It was later revealed that Gerardot had threatened to kill Chapman in texts and Emails.

Gerardot disguised herself by wearing a wig “and took a train from Delaware to Radnor. She broke into  Chapman’s  and cleaned up the glass so the victim didn’t realize someone was in her home,’’  the chief reported. 

it was later learned that Gerardot rented a car and according to one report had bad been conducting surveillance on the home in an apparent attempt to determine Chapmans comings and goings. According to reports, a  neighbor saw the activity but did not report it to police. 

When Chapman returned from work at Villanova, Gerardot fired her weapon at Chapman and then took her own life, Colarulo said.

Gerardot’s husband, Mark, a former UD creative services manager who had recently resigned his position,  had planned to meet  Chapman for dinner. When Chapman did not show up, he went to her house. Mark Gerardot called police, mentioning that his wife might be inside the residence. 

Meredith Chapman ran for political office in 2016, challenging eight-term Democratic incumbent Dave Sokola for the 8th District Senate seat that encompasses the Pike Creek area. Chapman lost the race by 747 votes out of 17,439 cast.

“It’s very tragic,’’ said Sokola. “I thought she was very reasonable to talk to. It’s way too young for someone who had a very nice career and new opportunities ahead of her.”

Sokola’s office also issued a written statement that said Chapman was “sharp, hard-working, and motivated by a sincere desire to serve her community. She was bound for great things.”

Chapman worked at WHYY and for former Cong. Mike Castle before becoming a news editor at the University of Delaware.

She pioneered  the use of social and digital media at the university and held managerial positions in marketing and communications. She also did consulting work related to higher education.

Private services were held on May 2, the University of Delaware reported. A tribute to Meredith will be held at a later date. 

Click here for remembrances of Chapman from a story from UDaily.

(Includes reporting  from WHYY).