Kalamazoo, MI — Bassey Offiong, a 25-year old student at Western Michigan University, was one of the first 3 confirmed cases of Coronavirus on the university’s campus after he was denied a test multiple times. He died fighting the virus just a few weeks before he was set to graduate.
He experienced symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and a fever while living off-campus in the Kalamazoo area. However, he was rejected for coronavirus testing multiple times and was apparently just diagnosed with bronchitis.
He was on a ventilator for a week at a hospital in Royal Oak before his death, his sister Asari Offiong told The Detroit News.
Meanwhile, people have expressed their grief with the unfortunate death of Offiong, who was described as a “young man of enormous potential,” according to a statement released by the university’s president.
“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 communicating with us regularly. They are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” said WMU President Edward Montgomery.
The Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department confirmed his death, noting that he was not a resident of the county, “however, this virus has no borders when it comes to who it affects and how it is spread… Stay home and, if you must go out for essential items, stay safe by taking preventative measures.”
The university is now closed for all in-class instructions and is holding online classes instead to prevent the further spread of the pandemic.