Former App State student, fraternity member found unresponsive

Former+App+State+student%2C+fraternity+member+found+unresponsive

Ansley Puckett, Reporter

Update April 10:

App State is providing counseling and support to those who need it, and students are encouraged to call App State’s Counseling and Psychological Services for 24/7  resources and support, according to Megan Hayes, associate vice chancellor and chief communications officer.

Students can call during operation hours and ask to speak with a counselor as soon as possible, and after hours, students can select the option to speak with the counselor on call, Hayes said in an email.

Update April 8:

Harrison Steven was found unresponsive at 11 a.m. Monday on Hodges Valley Road, according to a Watauga County Sheriff’s Office report.

Carolyn Johnson, investigations and narcotics captain, said the sheriff’s department is investigating the death as an “unattended death.” However, the report noted drugs and alcohol were in the household.

Shaleeah Smith, associate director of campus activities, fraternity and sorority life, addressed chapter and council leadership in an email Friday regarding Steven’s death. 

“During this time of great loss, we are reminded of the importance of community. Coping with the death of a friend and community member can be difficult. The Office of the Dean of Students is actively engaged and focused on supporting students and members of our Appalachian State community who are in need of assistance,” Smith wrote. 

Update April 7:

A former App State student and fraternity member was found unresponsive Monday.

Harrison Steven, 20, died over the weekend, according to an Instagram post by the App State’s chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa, which Steven was a previous member of. The date and cause of death is unknown at this time.

In the statement, the fraternity expressed its grief over the passing of Steven.

“His sense of humor and personality brightened our lives, and his kindness will flow through our hearts forever,” according to the fraternity’s post.

Steven was from Wilmington and worked at Pedalin’ Pig as a crew member.

Phi Sigma Kappa also created a GoFundMe to support Steven’s family and funeral expenses.

“Harrison was a bright light in our lives, and we send our thoughts and prayers to his loved ones at this time,” the fraternity wrote in the GoFundMe.

This story was last updated with information from the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office and App State April 10. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.