GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — A Colorado Mesa University (CMU) student has died of complications from the novel coronavirus, the school said Wednesday.
Cody Lyster, 21, recently passed away from the virus, according to a letter from CMU President Tim Foster.
He is Colorado's youngest person to die from the infection, according to Colorado Gov. Jared Polis.
Foster said Lyster was pursuing a degree in criminal justice in the footsteps of his father and played on the school’s club baseball team.
Lyster is the first person in the CMU community to die of the virus. He did not contract it on campus, Foster said.
“Each time we make the sacrifice of social distance, or carry the burden of an everyday life that is changed, let us replace the statistics and headlines with the memory of Cody,” Foster wrote in the letter. “In this way we are reminded that momentary choices to contribute are not inconveniences, but are contributions to limiting grief, loss and hardship for friends, family and fellow Mavericks.”
Governor Jared Polis tweeted the following statement Wednesday:
"We mourn the tragic loss of all victims of CO-VID 19 “Coronavirus” here in Colorado, nationally, and internationally. Today we mourn Colorado’s youngest victim: a 21-year Colorado Mesa University student who played on the club baseball team. While older Coloradans are most at risk, this virus can take a deadly turn for people of all ages. That’s why we need to stay at home except when absolutely necessary."
The school has online support and counseling services available for students by appointment through the Student Wellness Center. Students can reach the center by calling 970-644-3740.