A 19-year-old college college student at Ala Palacian State University in North Carolina died Monday night of covid-19 complications, school officials said Tuesday.
Chad Dorrell, an apparently healthy second-year student, lived off campus earlier this month when flu-like symptoms developed and took all his classes online, university officials said in a statement.
He went to his family home, tested positive for coronavirus and quarantine. After getting the doctor’s cutter’s approval, he returned to his on-campus accommodation where he also developed difficulties and was taken by his family and hospitalized, the university said.
Peter Hans, president of the University of North Carolina system, said in a news release that any loss of life is a tragedy, but the grief in particular is reduced because we mourn the young man who put so many lives ahead. “I am just sad to see Chad Dorrill’s family survive. My heart goes out to the entire Appalachian state community. “
In a letter to the students, Appalachian State Chancellor Sherry Evert wrote, “Their family’s desire is to share a common share with the university in action so that our entire campus community recognizes the importance of following the COVID-19 safety protocol and guidelines.”
“Although the risk of serious illness in general is low, college-age adults can become seriously ill with Covid-19,” Elves said.
Many universities and colleges across the country have become coronavirus hot spots. According to the Associated Press, Chad’s passing is the first death to be reported in the University of North Carolina system since some campuses were partially reopened in September.
A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday found that since September 25 to Aug 2, weekly coronavirus cases among people aged 18 to 22 have risen 55 percent nationally, with the highest increases in the Northeast and Midwest. The report said the increase in cases was not the only reason for the increase in testing.
Another CDC report found that coronavirus incidence is now highest among young adults between the ages of 20 and 29, who accounted for more than 20 percent of all confirmed cases between June and August.
There are currently 183 active coronavirus cases among students and three in staff, all in isolation, according to the university’s dashboard.
The Drill family did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.
Chad’s mother, Susan Dorrill, quoted in the Watauga Democrat, said in a statement that doctors said her son’s troubles with Kovid-19 were rare.
But, he said, “If it could happen to a 19-year-old super healthy boy who doesn’t smoke, use or take drugs, it could happen to anyone.”
