ALAMANCE COUNTY, N.C. — Family and friends are mourning the life of 16-year-old, Sophie Fox. Fox's family said she died suddenly last Thursday.
The Alamance-Burlington School System confirmed the rising 11th grader was a student at Walter M. Williams High School in Burlington.
Sophie's mother, Logan Hadley, said her daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was eight. Hadley said as of recent it has been hard to get a handle on her seizures. Family is waiting on the autopsy report stating the official cause of death, but believe it is likely related to Sophie's epilepsy diagnosis.
Zavariye Leath recalled meeting Sophie back in middle school. Leath said the two had a class together and instantly clicked.
For Leath, Sophie was like a sister. While they will no longer vacation or eat lunch together, Leath is committed to keeping his friend's legacy alive.
"She was a very passionate advocate for mental health and like that was one of her biggest things she made tons of posters and flyers, and she would always show it, all excited like look what I made, look what I made. So, yeah it was great. She was really passionate about that. She really wants to help people and that was one of her biggest things and I hope that we can continue that and carry it for her because I know that she would really like that," said Leath.
Loved ones are sharing their condolences on social media.
Sophie's middle school soccer coach sent us the following statement:
"She was a great athlete, and I enjoyed the time I worked with her," he continued ", My daughters knew her as well. This has been a shock to the system," said Turrentine Middle School 8th grade teacher, Derek Tang.
Hadley said Sophie's visitation and service is set for Wednesday, July 3rd at Rich and Thompson in Burlington.
According to family, people can honor Sophie by donating to Happy2Heal Pet Therapy at Levine Children's Atrium Health. The family said donations made on Sophie's behalf should go to support seizure dogs for those who need them.
Williams High School posted to the school's social media, stating ABSS school counselors are at the school and available to offer support for students or staff.
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