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OREM — A Utah Valley University student has died from the novel coronavirus, the university announced this week.
Trevor Syphus Lee, 27, was a senior and scheduled to graduate in the spring of 2021. Lee was taking the summer off and not enrolled in any classes when he died on June 9.
"According to the state health department, Trevor had underlying medical conditions," UVU President Astrid Tuminez wrote in an email to the university community.
"As fellow Wolverines, we grieve his loss. Those who knew and loved Trevor are understandably devastated. During this difficult time, we have reached out to his family to offer our support and sympathy. Crisis and grief counseling through Student Health Services are available for students, faculty, and staff who may also be impacted by the news."
A GoFundMe* page was set up by family friends to help pay for the funeral and medical expenses, which are expected to "easily exceed" $100,000, according to the page.
According to an obituary provided by his family, Lee was the third of five children who "loved life and making people happy." He served a mission to Brazil for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 2013 to 2015, and the obituary says the "Christ-like love that he gave this world will always be remembered."
Lee enjoyed cooking, traveling, video games, arts and crafts, scented candles and the holidays, it says.
Tuminez wrote the university "hoped this day and announcement would never come."
"Let us continue to be vigilant in our care for one another," she said.
COVID-19 cases in Utah have spiked in recent weeks amid eased restrictions. Though the vast majority of Utah's coronavirus deaths have been among its senior population, the virus has also claimed young lives, including that of 24-year-old Silvia Melendez in March. She also suffered from underlying health conditions.
"The loss of Trevor leaves an emptiness that cannot be filled," Tuminez said. "We offer our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and those influenced by this bright young man."
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
