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How did JoAnne Epps die? Temple University President was hospitalized after collapsing on stage during event

Acting president of Temple University JoAnne A Epps died on Tuesday after passing out during a memorial service

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: Interim president of Temple University JoAnne A Epps died on Tuesday, September 19, after experiencing a “sudden episode” and falling sick on stage during a memorial event, the Philadelphia college announced.

Epps, 72, collapsed on stage while speaking during a memorial event for Charles L Blockson, the emeritus curator of the university's Charles L Blockson Afro-American Collection.

As per Daily Mail, Epps was taken to Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, where doctors pronounced her dead around 3.15 pm. The cause of her death is not known at this time.

EMS personnel attended to her and took her to the hospital, where, per Daniel del Portal of Temple University Health System, "resuscitation efforts continued but unfortunately were unsuccessful."

In the wake of the tragic accident, community members were grieving the woman who devoted over 40 years to helping the Temple neighborhood.

The institution released a statement confirming Epps' death, which said: "It is with deep heartbreak that we write to inform you that Temple University Acting President JoAnne A. Epps suddenly passed away this afternoon."

Mitchell Morgan, the chairman of the Temple board, noted in the statement, "There are no words that can describe the gravity and sadness of this loss."

"President Epps was a devoted servant and friend who represented the best parts of Temple. She spent nearly 40 years of her life serving this university, and it goes without saying her loss will reverberate through the community for years to come," Morgan added.

JoAnne Epps was appointed acting president in early April

Epps was named acting president when Jason Wingard, the university's former president, resigned in the early days of April, prompting further worries about campus safety and declining enrollment.

According to Ken Kaiser, senior vice president and chief operations officer of Temple, Epps began her career in Temple's bookshop forty years ago, and since then, she has devoted her time to enhancing the university.

Due to the escalating crime rates around the north Philadelphia campus and other problems during her predecessor's turbulent term, Epps committed to concentrating on enrollment and safety.

The Temple Association of University Professionals union recalled the individual touch of Epps.

In a statement, union president Jeffrey Doshna said, "I remember her walking into my office this April, and chatting with me one-on-one about how we could work together to make Temple a better place."

Epps claimed that she had intended to run for the role on a long-term basis, but was instead chosen to head the institution "to calm the waters."

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Epps, who was supposed to give a speech at the service, sagged in her chair shortly after the event started and had to be taken out in the arms of a uniformed officer, as per Associated Press.

Temple officials remember JoAnne Epps for her 40 years of service

Temple University’s senior vice president Kaiser noted in a news conference: "JoAnne embodied everything that is great about Temple University, rising from working in the bookstore more than 40 years ago to the office of the president."

According to Jacqueline C Romero, the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Epps worked as an assistant US attorney from 1980 to 1985 before joining the faculty at the institution.

Romero remembered Epps and said, "She was an icon in the legal community, dedicating her life to public service, the rule of law, experiential legal education, equity and diversity in the profession, and the advancement of civil rights. She was tireless and passionate about the issues she held dear," as per CNN.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said in a tweet on Tuesday that Epps was "a powerful force and constant ambassador for Temple University for nearly four decades. Losing her is heartbreaking for Philadelphia."

Gregory Mandel, provost of Temple University, fought back tears as he spoke about Epps. Mandel stated at the press conference: "We are all in deep grief and at a loss for words. To know Joanne is to be her friend."

To "put together a plan for us as we work through this transition," Temple's Board of Trustees will meet on Wednesday, said Mandel.

Who is JoAnne Epps' husband?

Epps was married to L Harrison Jay, who works in Temple’s office of community relations. Jay is devastated by her death.

Netizens pay tribute to Temple University President JoAnne A Epps

Internet users paid homage to the acting president of Temple University. The Philadelphia Phillies wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "The Phillies extend our heartfelt condolences on JoAnne's untimely passing."

Another wrote, "She died on the job, in an interim role that she didn’t want. She was being a “good team-player.” My deepest condolences to her loved ones. “Temple University president JoAnne A. Epps has died after collapsing on stage at a university event.”

Someone else noted, "This is terrible news. Prayers for her family This is a tough time for the nation in general and we would all benefit from taking a step back and letting humility guide us to a more productive and peaceful future."

Another follower of Epps wrote on X, "I just photographed JoAnne A. Epps · Acting President, Temple University in May at the Temple Diamond Gala held at Citizen Bank Park with her friend Valerie Harrison, Ph.D. - Rest In Power. She was very inspiring, kind, a people person, firm in her convictions, admirable, humble."

Congressman Dwight Evans wrote, "I’m saddened by the loss of Temple University’s acting president, Dr. JoAnne Epps, and offer my sympathies and prayers to her family and the Temple community."

Rep Malcolm Kenyatta noted, "I met JoAnne Epps when I was a 17-year-old freshman at @TempleUniv. Though our titles have changed over the years one thing never did, and that was she was always a friend and a mentor."