Collins Annin, residential coordinator for James Hall, died Monday in Columbus. He was 38 years old.
Annin was hospitalized in Columbus Sunday and died Monday afternoon, said Kent Smith, vice president for Student Affairs.
We're saddened to learn that Dr. Annin has died. It's certainly unexpected
Smith said. It's a tremendous loss for the university and for his family.
Annin died from a pre-existing condition, Smith said.
Smith said he had been told Annin had sickle cell anemia, but added he was not aware of any complications with Annin's health in the past.
Sickle cell anemia is a term used to describe several inherited blood disorders that affect hemoglobin. More than 2 million people in the United States carry the sickle cell trait, meaning they can pass on the disease, and more than 70,000 Americans have sickle cell anemia, according to Leslie Carter, newborn screening coordinator at the American Sickle Cell Anemia Association in Cleveland.
People with sickle cell anemia experience various complications, including pneumonia, susceptibility to infections, strokes and organ damage or failure. Deaths associated with sickle cell anemia usually are caused by these complications, Carter said.
The residential coordinator for Sergeant Hall, Billy Kennedy, began filling in for Annin when he was hospitalized Sunday, said Mac Stricklen, assistant director of the Department of Residential Housing's West Green office. About 370 students live in James Hall.
I'm sure they'll try to fill (his position) as soon as possible. There needs to be stability in the building said Andrew Wade, Student Senate's Residence Life vice-commissioner. But it's going to be a tough time there. It's a huge loss.
Annin was always smiling, said Kyla Boertlein, a sophomore studying English education and a James Hall resident.
Everyone here loved Collins. A part of James Hall will definitely be missing now Boertlein said.
Annin, who was born on March 23, 1971, is from the Ashanti region of Ghana and came to Ohio University in 2003, Smith said. He received a master's degree in International Development in 2005 and a Ph.D. in cultural studies in education in 2009, both from OU. He has worked in Residential Housing since 2004.
Annin is survived by his wife Phyllis Dako-Gyeke, his 5-year-old daughter Ayeyi and his 9-month-old son Nkunim.
Although funeral arrangements have not yet been made, the residence life office has created the Collins Fund, which will be used to fly Annin from Columbus to Ghana, where his family still lives. Students and employees can donate to the fund at the Residential Housing counter on the first floor of Chubb Hall, said Christine Sheets, executive director of Residential Housing.
Students saddened or upset by Annin's death are encouraged to contact OU's Counseling Center, which has a 24-hour hotline, Sheets said.
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Rebecca McKinsey
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