The person was between the ages of 65 and 74 with underlying health conditions. Because the individual had underlying health conditions, Jackson County Department of Public Health investigated the death and was able to confirm that COVID-19 was a contributing factor. To protect the families’ privacy, no further information about the individual will be released.

“We offer our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of this individual,” said Health Director Shelley Carraway. “Please honor their memory, and the memory of others that we have lost to this virus, by doing everything that you can to stop the spread of COVID-19. This pandemic is not over and its repercussions can be devastating.”

For more information about COVID-19 in Jackson County, visit http://health.jacksonnc.org/covid19 or call the Jackson County Emergency Operations Center at 828-631-HELP.