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Georgia university loses 24-year-old assistant basketball coach to COVID-19

ROME, Ga. — Shorter University in Rome lost its 24-year-old assistant basketball coach to COVID-19 yesterday.

Ryan Dupree died Monday at Floyd Medical Center, two days after getting diagnosed with the virus.

Dupree was recently hired as the assistant basketball coach at the university.

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“The Shorter University family was saddened to learn of the tragic death of Coach Ryan Dupree,” Shorter spokesperson Dawn Tolbert said. “We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Our prayers are with them and the basketball team in this time of loss.”

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Dupree was a standout basketball player at Bob Jones High School in Alabama. He later played for Snead State, Mississippi State and Belhaven.

His family said on a GoFundMe set up to cover his funeral expenses that they take comfort in the fact that Dupree had a personal relationship with Jesus.

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“We can not wrap our earthly minds around this, but rejoicing that we have hope even in darkness,” family members wrote. “Ryan is in heaven, and we will see him again.”

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