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WMU senior with 'enormous potential' dies from COVID-19

Bassey Offiong was scheduled to graduate in the spring with his degree in chemical engineering.

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A Western Michigan University student died from the coronavirus the Kalamazoo County Health Department and the university announced Sunday. 

Bassey Offiong was a senior at WMU. 

"Bassey was a young man of enormous potential who was scheduled to graduate with his degree in chemical engineering in just a few weeks," said university President Edward Montgomery in a statement.

"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."

Offiong was not a resident of Kalamazoo County, according to the health department. However, they said the virus "has no borders when it comes to who it affects and how it is spread."

The university said on Saturday that three students had tested positive for the virus. 

RELATED: 3 WMU students test positive for COVID-19

There are 15 cases of the virus in Kalamazoo County, according to Saturday's data. 

The county's health department urges people to follow Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's "stay safe, stay home" order and only go out for essential items. 

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