Penn State student dies from coronavirus
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A Penn State student died from covid-19 this week, the university’s first known student death connected to the coronavirus, according to officials.
Juan Garcia, 21, of Allentown died Tuesday, 10 days after he tested positive for the virus, officials said in a statement.
An earth and mineral sciences student, Garcia was living off campus in State College when he fell ill and went home to Allentown.
“We are profoundly saddened to learn about Juan’s untimely death during this pandemic,” said Damon Sims, vice president for student affairs.
He said that while he did not know Garcia personally, friends have told him he “had a remarkable spirit and was greatly loved.”
“It is a poignant reminder that no one among us is immune to the worst consequences of the virus,” Sims said.
He said the university is working to contact trace Garcia’s close contacts and alert those who might have been around him while he was contagious. Anyone who thinks they might have been in contact with Garcia should call the university’s health services advice nurse at 814-863-4463.