Plymouth State Freshman Remembered
Justin Siewierski, For The Clock
Nick Fiore, Editor-in-Chief
Plymouth State freshman McKenzie Leno passed away on February 15th after complications with a viral infection.
According to WPRI, Leno was diagnosed with mononucleosis and strep in early January. The symptoms got progressively worse, where the 18-year old was hospitalized at Rhode Island Hospital after a viral infection. He was placed in a medically induced coma for several weeks before succumbing to the illness.
Robert Porter, Leno’s roommate, commented that “McKenzie is someone I will never forget about. He was a very genuine person which is rare these days and became close with anyone he talked to. McKenzie had a special energy about him that no one else could match and it’s so sad to see him go so soon.”
Leno, a three-sport athlete at Rogers High School, decided to take a break from organized sports in his first year at Plymouth State. From there, he became a member of Sigma Tau Gamma.
“He was certainly looking to get the most out of his fraternity membership right from the start,” said CEO Steve Latour in a Sigma Tau press release. “Our deepest condolences go out to his family and to the Epsilon Theta Chapter Brothers who will forever be impacted by this noble man.”
“He was an amazing person and everyone who met him instantly was friends with him,” said senior Sig Tau member Kyle Williamson. “In a short amount of time at Plymouth, he made such an impact on so many people’s lives. He will be extremely missed and remembered by many as a brother.”
A candlelight vigil was held Friday night at Toppas Field in Newport, where hundreds of people came together to remember Leno.
In an email sent out to the PSU community February 19th, President Donald Birx stated that formal plans to remember Leno will be sent out at his family’s discretion. He also noted that if anyone wanted to send cards or notes of sympathy, send them to his office so he can forward them to the family.
The PSU Counseling and Human Relations Center is open Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Wednesday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for anyone in need.
The Clock sends its deepest condolences to Leno’s friends, family, and colleagues. Any additional information can be passed along to The Clock Staff.