Clemson student’s death attributed to deadly street drug epidemic in Upstate

Bowen Paul Ellis died from drug mix including fentanyl

PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. — Two weeks after Upstate officials warned of multiple overdoses caused by a deadly street drug that has become pervasive in the area, a coroner has confirmed that a Clemson student’s death in December was caused by the drug.

Pickens County Corner Kandy Kelley said Bowen Paul Ellis’ autopsy determined that he died from a combination of cocaine, fentanyl and acetyl-fentanyl. His death was ruled an accident.

Ellis, 19, who was a sophomore forest resource management major, was found unresponsive Dec. 9, in his off-campus apartment by his roommates.

Christopher Miller, Clemson’s associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said Ellis’ death left the Clemson family heartbroken.

"Please keep Bowen's family in your thoughts and prayers," Miller said.

Bowen’s obituary said he loved hunting with his granddad and was an avid fisherman.

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