MU Health Care and the MU School of Medicine announced today the health system’s first employee death due to COVID-19. In an email to employees, MU Executive Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs Rick Barohn, MD, MU Health Care CEO Jonathan Curtright and MU School of Medicine Dean Steve Zweig, MD, shared the news that a colleague had passed away due to complications from the virus.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a valued member of our health system community,” Curtright said. “We are sharing this information because we want to be transparent with our employees and with the community and patients we serve; however, we are limiting the details we share in order to respect our colleague’s privacy and that of their loved ones.”

The person who passed away worked in a non-clinical role and did not have any interaction with the public or patients. The individual reported not feeling well, left work, and was subsequently tested. The individual did not return to work following the initial report in accordance with MU Health Care and public health guidelines.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to our colleague’s loved ones, and we offer them our love and support during this difficult time,” Zweig said.