Temple University says acting president dies after collapsing on stage

PHILADELPHIA (TND) — Temple University said the school's acting president died after collapsing at a memorial service Tuesday.

It is with deep heartbreak that we write to inform you that Temple University Acting President JoAnne A. Epps suddenly passed away this afternoon," the university announced on social media.

The school said Epps "became ill" while she was attending a memorial service at Temple for Charles L. Blockson, who was the curator of the Blockson Collection.

Epps was taken to Temple University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

"There are no words that can describe the gravity and sadness of this loss," according to a statement from the school. "President Epps was a devoted servant and friend who represented the best parts of Temple. She spent nearly 40 years of her life serving this university, and it goes without saying her loss will reverberate through the community for years to come. Our thoughts are with President Epps’ family, and with all members of the Temple community in this moment. The days ahead will be difficult, but we will lean on one another as President Epps would want us to."

Temple University is a research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.