coronavirus new york

Beloved school security guard in Westchester County loses battle with COVID

Monday, February 1, 2021

NY community helps support school security guard battling COVID

Kemberly Richardson reports a community in Westchester County is coming together to support the family of a private school security guard battling COVID.

DOBBS FERRY, New York (WABC) -- A community in Westchester County is mourning the loss of a beloved school security guard who had been battling the coronavirus.

In the close-knit community at the Masters School in Dobbs Ferry -- when one person is struggling, they rally around that person.

Unfortunately, Panton Adams lost his battle with the disease.

"He brings a sense of community and light to this place," Laura Danforth had said last week.

Danforth is head of the school and had told Eyewitness News, Panton was a treasured member of the security team at the sprawling campus in Dobbs Ferry.

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"When Pan isn't with security, he's distributing mail, giving care packages to boarders, he's a beloved, beloved member of our community," Danforth had said.

But in late December, the 64-year-old was diagnosed with COVID-19 and became critically ill, and was placed on a ventilator. He died early Monday morning.

The news has hit everyone here at the elite private school hard, including current students, alumni, parents, colleagues and friends.

A GoFundMe page set up by a former student has raised more than $37,700.

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