Penn State Student, 21, Dies Of Coronavirus

ALLENTOWN, PA — A 21-year-old Penn State student has died from COVID-19, the university confirmed Thursday.

Juan Garcia, a 21-year-old College of Earth and Mineral Sciences student from Allentown, died June 30 of respiratory failure and COVID-19.

He is the first known Penn State student to die of the coronavirus, according to the university.

Garcia was living off campus in State College when he began to feel ill. He went home to Allentown on June 19 and was tested for COVID-19 the next day, according to information from Penn State.

The university is in the process of contact tracing to reach those who may have been in close contact with Garcia while he was contagious.

“We are profoundly saddened to learn about Juan’s untimely death during this pandemic,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Damon Sims. “While I did not know Juan personally, we have learned through conversations with those closest to him that this young man had a remarkable spirit and was greatly loved. I know our entire campus community sends our deepest condolences to his family and friends as they grieve this unthinkable loss. It is a poignant reminder that no one among us is immune to the worst consequences of this virus.”

People who believe they may have been in contact with Garcia are urged to call the University Health Services 24/7 Advice Nurse at 814-863-4463.