Recent Mason High School graduate dies after virus infection, heart transplant

“Our entire Comet Family is grieving the loss of Mason High School Class of 2020′s Simone Scott,” the district said in a Facebook post. “This weekend we learned that Simone passed away following what was suspected as being a virus (not COVID) attack her heart a few weeks ago, which resulted in her receiving a heart transplant.

“A freshman at Northwestern University pursuing a double major in broadcast journalism and political science/pre-law, Simone was a bright, determined and compassionate young woman whose impact on our Comet community was enormous. Please keep her devoted family and friends in your hearts and prayers.”

The district encouraged those who need support to contact School Psychologist Jeff Schlaeger at schlaegerj@masonohioschools.com.

Northwestern Vice President for Student Affairs Julie Payne-Kirchmeier announced Scott’s death Saturday in a message to the community.

Scott joined Northwestern News Network as a reporter and anchor soon after she arrived on campus, the university said.

“I am so saddened by the news of Simone’s death,” Professor Larry Stuelpnagel said in a Saturday community message from Dean Charles Whitaker. “I was fortunate to have her in my 201-1 journalism class in the fall where she shared her love of TV news and jumped right into reporting for the Northwestern News Network. Her passion and joy for life and reporting was the very definition of ebullience. At NNN we all loved Simone and miss her terribly. There is a new bright star shining in the night sky tonight.”

The university said her death came weeks after a heart complication in May that led to a heart transplant.

“Simone’s death is a devastating loss to her family, her friends and to many on campus whose lives she touched,” the University’s email stated. “Bright, talented and ambitious, she made a deep impact during her time in Evanston.”