News of an Appalachian State student’s passing from COVID-19 led to University of North Carolina leadership issuing a statement on Tuesday afternoon.

A statement from the university said sophomore Chad Dorrill recently died from complications to the virus. Appalachian State Chancellor Sheri Everts said in a letter to her community Dorrill had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in September after returning home from his off-campus apartment to be with his family. Once he was cleared by doctors and traveled back to Boone, Dorrill experienced further complications and became hospitalized. The university said the sophomore was taking entirely online classes despite App State holding some in-person.

“The hearts of the entire Appalachian Community are with Chad’s family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult and painful time,” wrote Everts. “His family’s wishes are for the university to share a common call to action so our entire campus community recognizes the importance of following COVID-19 safety protocols and guidelines.”

Dorrill’s death is one of the first known cases within the UNC System of a COVID-positive campus community member dying since the academic year began. System President Peter Hans shared condolences on Tuesday.

“Any loss of life is a tragedy, but the grief cuts especially deep as we mourn a young man who had so much life ahead,” said Hans in a release. “I ache for the profound sadness that Chad Dorrill’s family is enduring right now. My heart goes out to the entire Appalachian State community.”

The system president said he supported the Dorrill family’s request for other students and campus community members be cautious during this period of uncertain public health.

“We have a heightened duty to one another in these extraordinarily trying times” Hans wrote, “and we all need to remain vigilant. I join his family and Chancellor Everts in urging everyone to follow public health guidance by wearing a mask, washing hands, maintaining physical distance, and limiting gatherings.”

The UNC System said in April its goal was to return all campuses to in-person instruction after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic led to classes moving entirely online. While some universities, like App State, have kept up in-person classes this fall, others have moved back to remote learning due to outbreaks. UNC transitioned to this learning model in August following more than 130 positive cases reported in the first week of classes.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

Related Stories
‹
UNC Task Force Develops Plan To Address Racial Equity
The 17 schools in North Carolina’s university system have been given a blueprint for fighting discrimination and promoting racial equity on their campuses. The UNC System Racial Equity Task Force unveiled its 65-page final report Wednesday at the Board of Governors meeting, the News & Record of Greensboro reported Thursday. The report, which caps six months of […]
UNC System Sees Record Enrollment; Approves Presidential Choice of Chancellor Candidates
The UNC System Board of Governors approved a change to the system president’s role in selecting chancellor candidates, as well as announced record enrollment for the 2020-2021 academic year. The board had a mix of members meet either in Chapel Hill or virtually Thursday morning to tackle a full agenda during its first gathering of […]
North Carolina Author, UNC Administrator and Radio Show Host D.G. Martin Dies at 85
David Grier “D.G.” Martin, Jr. – a lawyer, UNC System administrator and veteran turned longtime author, book reviewer and show host – died on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at his home in Chapel Hill. He was 85 years old.
UNC Trustees Push Back on Proposed Tuition Increase, Ask For Higher Hikes on Out-Of-State Students
The UNC Board of Trustees balked at an initial proposal to consider increasing undergraduate tuition for the first time in nine years.
'We Don't Plan To': Chancellor Downplays Potential That UNC Signs Trump Admin's Higher Ed Compact
Chancellor Lee Roberts told faculty UNC will not sign the "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education" in its current form.
William ‘Brian’ Allen Rounds Out 2025-2027 UNC Board of Trustees with Appointment
Construction company president William "Brian" Allen will serve the two remaining years of a seat on the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees.
North Carolina Is Pursuing Its Own Restrictions Amid Trump’s Pushback Against DEI
Following the lead of several conservative states and the president himself, North Carolina Republican lawmakers have advanced their own bills that target diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
North Carolina Government Makes Big Tax Revenues Quickly from First Year of Sports Betting
North Carolina government cashed in early when it came to reaping fiscal benefits from authorized sports wagering in the ninth-largest state.
UNC Researchers Warn About Effects of Federal Funding Cuts on Cancer Discoveries, Treatments
Threats of federal funding cuts are already felt within research circles at UNC, including the labs of some leading cancer research.
UNC, System Schools Suspend Diversity Courses as Required Curricula After Trump Executive Order
UNC-Chapel Hill is suspending part of its mandatory curriculum around diversity to avoid any potential noncompliance with one of President Donald Trump's executive order.
›