North Carolina sheriff’s deputy dies from coronavirus, officials say
A sheriff’s deputy in Montgomery County died from coronavirus Tuesday night as the state’s death toll pushed into double digits, law enforcement officials confirmed.
Bud Phouangphrachanh, 43, worked as a middle school resource officer in Biscoe, an area best known for being near Uwharrie National Forest. His was the 11th coronoavirus-related death in the state.
Montgomery County Sheriff Chris Watkins said “Deputy Bud” was a 14-year veteran with a wife and five children who succumbed to the virus after suffering allergy symptoms.
“He was known for his big smile, sense of humor and laughter,” Watkins wrote in a Wednesday news release, adding he is “his brothers and sisters who wear a badge, stand tall, but never too tall to bend down and whisper a comforting word to a kid.”
Sheriff Gregory Seabolt offered a tribute on his department’s page in neighboring Randolph County, which quickly flooded with tributes Wednesday.
“Bud was a good dude!” wrote Chris Jones. “One of Montgomery County’s best Deputy’s! He loves the kids and they loved him back! He will be missed by so many.”
In its Tuesday night obituary, the Montgomery Herald described Phouang — a shortened version of the deputy’s name that he used on his own Facebook page — as a “beloved mentor.”
“Phouang was quoted as saying, he tried to do at least one good deed a day,” the Herald wrote. “Students at West Middle will remember Phouang as the fun loving, kind hearted man that was often sporting Super Heroes attire.”
Watkins noted in a January 2019 Facebook post that Phouang’s middle school had named a “Deputy Bud Day,” adding a picture of students posing alongside him wearing Superman costumes.
“We may not think about the simpler things, like being a friend, mentor or a good listener for students,” Watkins wrote. “Well today, the students ... showed their thanks.”
The Montgomery Herald reported Phouang learned he had tested positive for COVID-19 Sunday and was transported to Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst. He lived in Candor and his age and underlying health condition have not been released.
This story was originally published April 1, 2020 at 8:16 AM.