Friends, family and teachers speak about CCU student Devonte Grant’s impact

Family members and past high school teachers spoke out on social media this week, honoring a Coastal Carolina University student that died on campus Sunday night.

Devonte Grant, 18, was a performing arts freshman at the university and was found unresponsive in his dorm room at Magnolia Hall by family members. CCU identified him in a release to students Wednesday night, three days after he was found.

SLED is investigating the death, at the request of the university. Grant died of natural causes, according to the Horry County Coroner’s Office.

Older brother to Grant, Sinsei Zae, wrote online that he was “so talented” at his age, and had accepted a role into a Disney Series.

Grant was also casted into an ensemble role for “The Green Bird” at CCU’s performing arts center, according to senior Mitchel Maguire.

Other members of the community took to social media as well to write about Grant’s impact. The North Myrtle Beach High School’s performing arts department wrote that Grant will leave a legacy of “encouragement, kindness, and support.”

Grant will be memorialized by the university during a CCU memorial program on April 13, 2023. The release also recommended students reach out to counseling services, at 843-349-2305.

This story was originally published December 1, 2022 at 10:39 AM.