University of Wisconsin-Madison senior Henry Mackaman died Thursday as a result of meningococcal disease, Dean of Students Lori Berquam said.
Mackaman, 21, was hospitalized earlier in the week after being diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. Mackaman’s family took him off life support Thursday, and plans to donate his organs to other patients in need.
Mackaman, originally from St. Paul, Minn., was an English and economics major at the university. He was well known among students for his kindness and love of music, according to Berquam. Mackaman was a radio DJ for WSUM Radio and co-founded his band Phantom Vibration, Berquam said.
“He loved being a Badger and he loved going to school here,” Berquam said. “He really created and forged some great friendships here and I know that those mattered to him. He made people feel good in his presence.”
According to his CaringBridge site, Mackaman will be able to donate his organs to 54 patients in need.
“That’s a sentiment of great comfort to his family,” Berquam said. “His gift of life will help others to live a better life.”
UW-Madison students in need of support or counseling should contact University Health Services. UHS offers drop-in counseling hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students can also call the 24-hour UHS crisis line at 608-265-5600, option 9.
