Clover grad, USC-Upstate student dies; natural causes suspected
Anna E. Long of Clover, a 20-year-old junior nursing student at the University of South Carolina Upstate, died Monday, April 6, the school announced.
Autopsy results are pending, but expected cause of death is natural, according to a release from the school.
“We are greatly saddened to lose such a young, vibrant life,” said Chancellor Tom Moore. “Our hearts are heavy and our grief is profound.
Moore added: “On behalf of the entire USC Upstate community, I extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Anna Long. Please join me in remembering Anna and acknowledging what is truly a sad day for USC Upstate.”
Long may have had a blood clot in her lungs, said Tammy Whaley, a spokeswoman for the Spartanburg school.
Long, a Clover native and 2012 graduate of Clover High School, went to the campus health services department Monday, complaining of shortness of breath and dizziness, Whaley said.
EMS was called to take Long to the hospital, “and unfortunately, she coded with EMS and did not survive,” Whaley said.
At Clover High School, Long was a member of Health Occupations Student of America (HOSA) and the marching band and was named Outstanding Senior Band Member.
“Anna was really the ideal band student,” said Eric Wells, director of the Clover High band. “She was a talented musician with natural leadership skills. She also lifted other up, and did so with an upbeat and positive outlook.”
Long played the flute, he said.
“She always came to practice with the right attitude,” he said. “She had one of those infectious personalities. Combined with her natural talent, that’s what really made her a good leader in the band program.”
Long was “very beloved by her fellow nursing students and her roommate, and was thought of very highly by other students, so its a devastating loss for us,” Whaley said.
Long was secretary of USC Upstate’s chapter of Gamma Beta Phi, an honor and service organization, and was its incoming vice-president.
In addition, she was an active member of the Student Nursing Association and Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU).
“Anna never met a stranger. People always complimented her on her beautiful eyes and her big, tender heart,” said David Long, Anna’s father.
“She loved her nursing education, and Anna would have made a wonderful nurse. She was always doing for everybody else,” said Peggy Long, Anna’s mother.
In addition to her parents, Anna is survived by her 11-year-old brother, Andrew, her grandmother Helga “Oma” Long, and two aunts, Debbie Cook and Sylvia Price.
A memorial service will be held at the USC Upstate following burial arrangements, which are pending.
This story was originally published April 6, 2015 at 3:46 PM with the headline "Clover grad, USC-Upstate student dies; natural causes suspected."