William Hand, 14, Dies Suddenly from Rare Meningococcemia Infection

A tragedy struck the Hand family and the wider Greenville community as 14-year-old William Hand died just hours after showing symptoms of a rare and fast-spreading infection known as meningococcemia.

William had recently graduated from Hughes Academy of Science and Technology and was preparing for high school. But on the morning of Saturday, June 8, he woke up feeling unwell. By that same day, he had tragically passed away.

His father, Will Hand, shared an emotional message online, saying: “Everything snowballed and God called him home. This is how I will always choose to remember Will—flowing hair, big smile, and in sports attire. I will see you again, son.”

What Is Meningococcemia?

Doctors later confirmed that William Hand had contracted meningococcemia, a rare but extremely aggressive bloodstream infection caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria.

Dr. Anna-Kathryn Burch from Prisma Health explained the infection’s rapid nature: “The disease moves very quickly. Once it sets in, it’s sometimes too late to save the person.”

The bacteria spread through respiratory droplets or saliva, often through everyday actions like sharing drinks or utensils.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

Early signs of meningococcemia can be mistaken for common viral infections. However, doctors advise watching for these urgent symptoms:

• Sudden high fever

• Intense headache

• Vomiting

• Light sensitivity

• A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed

“We call it a petechial rash. It looks like broken blood vessels under the skin and stays even when pressed,” said Dr. Burch.

No Current Outbreak – But Officials Urge Caution

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reported 12 cases of meningococcal disease in the past 18 months. Four of those have been fatal, including William’s.

Still, DHEC says there’s no evidence of an outbreak.

“No links were found among the cases, so this does not meet the criteria for an outbreak,” a DHEC spokesperson said.

Vaccination Can Help Prevent Future Cases

According to the CDC, vaccination is the best way to protect against meningococcal disease. Health officials are urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated, especially before high school or college.

Community Mourns the Loss of William Hand

William is being remembered as a funny, kind, and energetic teen. His obituary described him as a “loyal friend, music lover, athlete, and the highlight of many people’s day.”

“Will was known for his playful spirit and love for life—whether walking to CVS with friends or acting out WWE matches.”

His baseball team, Greenville Little League, honored him with heartfelt words: “He was more than a great competitor—he was a devoted son, loyal friend, and true teammate. His smile and energy will be deeply missed.”