Coronavirus

Latest NC coronavirus death reported in Johnston County

A Johnston County patient has died from coronavirus, county health officials said Friday.

The person, in their mid-60s with an underlying medical condition, died on Thursday, according to the Johnston County health department

No other information was released about the patient.

“We are saddened to hear of this loss to our Johnston County community and extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones,” Johnston County Health Director Dr. Marilyn Pearson said in a statement released by the county. “Although most people will have mild to moderate symptoms with this virus, some will have a more severe illness. This reminds us all to do our part to decrease the chance of infection and stop the spread of the virus by following social distancing recommendations and staying home to the extent possible.”

North Carolina has now recorded four deaths due to coronavirus.

Adrian Grubbs, a 37-year-old supervisor in the Raleigh Solid Waste Services Department, died March 25. The city manager issued a statement about Grubbs’ death but the city has not confirmed how he died. The city’s statement came after Harnett County reported that a resident in his late 30s had died from the coronavirus and had an underlying medical condition.

North Carolina reported its first deaths Wednesday, saying a person from Cabarrus County died Tuesday from complications associated with the virus. The person was in their late 70s and had several medical conditions, Gov. Roy Cooper said.

A second person in their 60s from Virginia who was traveling through North Carolina also died.

Follow More of Our Reporting on Coronavirus in North Carolina

Steve Wiseman
The News & Observer
Steve Wiseman was named Raleigh News & Observer and Durham Herald-Sun sports editor in May 2025. He covered Duke athletics, beginning in 2010, prior to his current assignment. In the Associated Press Sports Editors national contest, he placed in the top 10 in beat writing in 2019, 2021 and 2022, breaking news in 2019, event coverage in 2025 and explanatory writing in 2018. Before coming to Durham in 2010, Steve worked for The State (Columbia, SC), Herald-Journal (Spartanburg, S.C.), The Sun Herald (Biloxi, Miss.), Charlotte Observer and Hickory (NC) Daily Record covering beats including the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints, University of South Carolina athletics and the S.C. General Assembly. He’s won numerous state-level press association awards. Steve graduated from Illinois State University in 1989. 
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER