UNC Asheville police officer dies due to COVID-19 complications, officials say

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The University of North Carolina Asheville said Thursday that a campus police officer has died due to COVID-19-related complications, WLOS reported.

Officials confirmed Officer James Hamilton died Wednesday.

“It is with deep sorrow and heartache that I share the sad news. Officer Hamilton was a beloved member of the UNC Asheville community,” UNCA Chancellor Nancy Cable wrote in a letter to campus. “He was a well-known presence at our Bulldog athletic events and other events on campus and was very involved in his local community including serving as Spindale town commissioner. Our hearts go out to Officer Hamilton’s family and loved ones.”

Hamilton’s last day on campus was Oct. 6. The University said they do not believe he got the virus on campus.

Hamilton was also serving as the Town of Spindale’s mayor pro-tem at the time of his death.

“The Town of Spindale extends its heartfelt sympathy to the James Hamilton family upon his untimely death last evening. Our prayers and thoughts go out to the family during this difficult time. I have ordered flags at town hall to be lowered to half-staff until after the funeral in his memory. Please keep the family in mind at this time," Spindale Mayor Mickey Bland said in a statement on Facebook.

Officials contacted anyone who may have come into close contact with Hamilton.

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