ASU Supports Son of Ebola Victim

Eric Karsiah Duncan Jr., a freshman at Angelo State University, is in Dallas where his biological father, Thomas Eric Duncan, succumbed to Ebola last Wednesday.

Thomas Duncan arrived in Dallas on Sept. 20, and after he began showing flu-like symptoms, was admitted to Texas Health Presbyterian eight days later. Shortly thereafter, he was diagnosed with Ebola, and on Oct. 10 he succumbed to the virus and died.

The student talked with his host parents in Dallas and ASU President Brian J. May after he received the news of his father’s death. All agreed that Duncan needed a period of time to handle arrangements for his father and to cope with the unexpected and difficult bereavement process.

ASU students who have experienced the death of a parent or close family member have been afforded this opportunity previously.

“Karsiah is continuing with his studies and working with his academic advisor,” May said. “Our thoughts are with him as he has had to handle a great deal in a short amount of time. We want to give him time to work through this situation, and we will welcome him back on campus as soon as he is ready.”