UNC student dies in Chapel Hill

Saturday, June 21, 2014
UNC student dies in Chapel Hill
Friends, family, and classmates of a rising UNC senior are mourning his death.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- Friends, family, and classmates of a rising UNC senior are mourning his death.

Twenty-one-year-old Harris Pharr, of Raleigh, died Thursday in Chapel Hill.

Pharr was a biomedical engineering major, who was minoring in physics, Spanish, and another subject.

Family members said Pharr moved to Raleigh in his senior year of high school from Florida, and graduated from Broughton High School.

Harris' mother, Jodi Pharr, told ABC11 that her son was quick to make friends, and a high school friend described Pharr as disgustingly smart.

A family friend said Harris spent a ton of time in labs, and had aspirations to work in RTP, or in Seattle for Boeing.

Pharr was also involved in Habitat for Humanity, and spent some time at an orphanage in the Dominican Republic.

By all accounts, Pharr flourished at the Chi Phi fraternity house where he lived and served as rush chair.

The Interfraternity Council has released a statement about Pharr's death: "The Interfraternity Council was deeply saddened yesterday evening to learn of the passing of our friend and senior Chi Phi brother Harris Pharr. Harris was beloved by many here at Carolina, and will be remembered for his illuminating smile and jovial spirit. Out of respect for his family, at this time the IFC declines to comment on any circumstances surrounding this terrible situation. The IFC requests that everyone respect the privacy of the Pharr family, and would like to extend our sincere prayers and condolences to them, as well as the brothers of the Alpha Alpha chapter of the Chi Phi fraternity, as they mourn the loss of a son and brother."

Police are not releasing Pharr's cause of death at this time. They say they are still notifying relatives.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

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