KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The community at Western Michigan University is mourning the loss of one of their students due to the coronavirus pandemic.
On Sunday, WMU President Edward Montgomery released a statement saying, “I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our students, Bassey Offiong. Bassey was a young man of enormous potential who was scheduled to graduate with his degree in chemical engineering in just a few weeks. On behalf of the entire Bronco community I want to extend my deepest condolences to his entire family, including his sister Asari, who has been generous in communication with us regularly. They are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
On Friday, health officials confirmed three WMU students tested positive for COVID-19; however, it is unclear if Offiong was one of these students of if this is a new case.
Kalamazoo County Health Officer Jim Rutherford says Offiong was not a Kalamazoo county resident but added, “this virus has no borders when it comes to who it affects and how it is spread.”
At last reported on Monday, Kalamazoo County was at 24 reported cases of the coronavirus. More information on the COVID-19 health crisis can be found at michigan.gov/coronavirus.
