NCCU student’s death remains mysterious

DURHAM, NC -The N.C. Central University campus continues to be puzzled about the April 8 death of history senior Canon Tyrell Fuller.
The State Bureau of Investigation suspects that Fuller’s death may have been an aggravated assault.
In an April 10 search warrant, Creedmoor police officials state that household members and staff told them Fuller “was assaulted by two residents within 24 hours of his death.”
Recreational sports management senior Corey Dinkins recalled the day of his friend and roommate’s death.
During a 10:40 a.m. break, Dinkins was enjoying his break from classes, laughing with friends.
But his fun turned to sadness when he got word that Fuller had died early that morning.
The 21-year-old from Lincolnton collapsed the evening of April 7 while working at Will’s Place, a level-three licensed group home for mentally ill or emotionally disturbed children and adolescents, located in Creedmoor.
Granville County Emergency Medical Services Director Martin Bragg said an EMS report recorded a 9-1-1 call to 313 Park Ave., the address of the group home, at 10:53 p.m.
After Fuller collapsed, he was taken to UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, where he never gained consciousness. Fuller died Tuesday, April 8.
Durham County Health Department and NCCU Student Health Services initially suspected that Fuller may have died from meningitis, an inflammation of thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges.
An April 9 e-mail from Chancellor Nelms suggested that individuals who had sexual contact or shared drinks or cigarettes with Fuller seek antibiotic treatment.
Kendrick Vann, supervisor of Will’s Place and an NCCU alumnus, declined to speak to the Campus Echo after numerous attempts to ask about the night Fuller fell unconscious.
Fuller’s autopsy report has not been released.
Geoffrey Cooper writes for the Campus Echo, the NCCU student newspaper