North Carolina sheriff’s deputy dies from coronavirus
Montgomery County NC April 1 2020
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 Phouang worked as a middle school resource officer in Biscoe, an area best known for being near Uwharrie National Forest.
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 as a husband, father and “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.”
Montgomery County Sheriff Chris 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.
