Sophomore student at North Carolina Central University, Mikel Bell died Sunday March 10th, in an off campus apartment complex near the university in Durham. The police at Durham Police Department is handling the investigation. Below is a statement from the University.

Dear Eagle Community,

It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of the loss of Mr. Mikel Bell, a sophomore studying Art with a concentration in Visual Communication, from Charlotte, N.C., who died today, March 10, 2019, at an off campus apartment complex off Old Chapel Hill Road in Durham. The Durham Police Department is handling Mr. Bell’s death investigation.

As we mourn the passing of a member of the NCCU community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Bell. Please know there are resources and services available to students, faculty and staff. Grief counseling is being provided on campus this evening and began at 7 p.m. in the Chidley North Residence Hall, Resource Room 142A. Students seeking support can also contact the Counseling Center Monday – Friday,  8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 919-530-7646 and after hours at 919-530-6106.

Additional services are provided by the Office of Spiritual Development and Dialogue, Monday through Friday, by calling 919-602-6967.

For faculty and staff, assistance is available through Compsych, the University’s Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, by phone 24-hours a day, seven days a week; please call 866-301-9634 or go online athttps://www.guidanceresources.com (University ID: EAGLES).

I also would ask that we keep Mr. Bell’s family, friends and classmates in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. I have extended our sympathy to his father on behalf of NCCU. The untimely loss of a young Eagle is devastating and deeply emotional. The death of a student is always hard to understand and accept. Please be sure to take care of yourself and those around you.

In Truth and Service,

Johnson O. Akinleye, Ph.D.

Chancellor