Dean Weintraub’s Response to Tragic Student Passing

Dear Carolina School of Dentistry Students, Faculty and Staff,

We are heartbroken and grief-stricken by last night’s devastating news, the incredible loss to our school and to the entire Carolina Community. One of the shooting victims killed at an off-campus condominium complex has been identified as second-year dental student Deah Barakat. His wife, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, and his wife’s sister, Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha were also killed in the shooting. Yusor was recently admitted as a member of the incoming DDS Class of 2019. Razan was a sophomore at N.C. State University.

Deah was especially close to those of us at the School of Dentistry. A member of DDS 2017, Deah was known for his kindness, service-driven heart, love of basketball and his sincerity. A native of Raleigh, Deah earned his bachelor’s in business administration from N.C. State in 2013 prior to being admitted into our dental program. Deah was involved in many aspects of our dental school – including research with the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, serving as a co-president of the new Dental Student Ambassadors group and leading the charge for a dental mission trip to Turkey. He was well loved and respected within these walls, and we will feel his loss deeply.

Deah and Yusor were newlyweds, just recently married in December. Yusor, as many of you know, worked with the North Carolina Missions of Mercy clinics – like many of you did and continue to do – prior to her admission to dental school. We were all looking forward to getting to know her as a member of the UNC dental family beginning in April, and we grieve her loss as well.

This is an incredible tragedy for our school, the dental community and the University. Today, everyone here is grieving. Our deepest sympathy goes out to their families and friends.

We encourage students to call Counseling and Psychological Services (919) 966-3658 for additional support; counseling resources are available for students overnight by contacting (919) 966-2281. Faculty and staff may contact our Employee Assistance Program at (877) 314-5841.

This is a terrible shock, and all of us at the school are grieving together.  If there is anything we can do to assist you, please don’t hesitate and let us know.

Sincerely,

Jane A. Weintraub
Dean and Alumni Distinguished Professor