USC student dies after medical emergency at Thurmond wellness center, school confirms

A student at the University of South Carolina died Tuesday after a “medical emergency” at a campus gym, a school spokesman said.

Ellis Barry Ross Jr., a junior from Charleston, S.C., had the medical emergency while at the Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center in the evening, USC spokesperson Jeff Stensland said.

“Our sympathies and prayers go out to his family and friends,” the school said in a statement.

The Daily Gamecock first reported on Ross’ death.

The school’s statement does not say what the medical emergency was that led to Ross’ death. USC staff gave medical care to Ross before he was taken to a hospital, the school said.

The school called Ross’ death “a tragedy.”

Counseling is being provided to anyone affected by Ross’ death, the school said.

David Travis Bland

The State

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David Travis Bland is The State’s editorial editor. In his prior position as a reporter, he was named the 2020 South Carolina Journalist of the Year by the SC Press Association. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2010. Support my work with a digital subscription