Rome, Ga.- Former Bob Jones High standout basketball player Ryan Dupree has died of COVID-19 related pneumonia. He was 24.

Recently hired as an assistant basketball coach at Shorter University in Rome, Ga., Dupree was diagnosed with COVID-19 and died within two days at Floyd Medical Center. He died Saturday, Sept. 4 with family nearby. His parents are Anthony and Peggy Dupree.

Shorter spokeswoman Dawn Tolbert responded and said, “The Shorter University family was saddened to learn of the tragic death of Coach Ryan Dupree. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Our prayers are with them and the basketball team in this time of loss.”

Dupree graduated from Bob Jones in 2015 after a stellar high school basketball career where he wore No. 3 as a 6-foot-1 guard. He started each of the 30 games of his senior season and averaged 12 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists per outing under head coach Graham Aderholt. He signed a basketball scholarship with Snead State Community College and later attended Belhaven College and earned a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State.

Dupree played youth basketball in Madison where both of his parents were heavily involved in the youth organization. His final season in the youth program came in 2009 where he was a member of the 12-under Bucks, which went undefeated and won the post-season championship. The young Dupree topped all scorers with 17 points in the championship game where the Bucks defeated the Kings 52-17. Dupree played at Discovery Middle School before making his way to Bob Jones.

Dupree is now among the list of 255 people from Floyd County in Georgia to die from COVID-19.

Social media posts include a GoFundMe page set to raise money for funeral expenses. The posts include “Thankfully his mom got to be with him in his last moments here on this earth. We rejoice knowing that there is life after death for those who have a personal relationship with Jesus.”