Honoring a Fallen Eagle: Remembering HBCU Alum and NC Trooper Steven Perry

North Carolina Central University and the HBCU community are mourning the tragic loss of one of their own, Steven Perry, a former football player for the NC Central Eagles and a dedicated member of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Perry, a 2018 graduate of NC Central with a degree in criminal justice, was a starter on the Eagles' 2016 MEAC championship team and part of the program's first Celebration Bowl squad. After finishing his collegiate career, he went on to join the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, rising to the rank of master trooper and serving the Durham County community for nearly seven years.

Tragically, Perry's life was cut short on Sunday morning when his patrol car was struck head-on by a vehicle traveling the wrong way on NC 147. Both Perry and the other driver were killed in the collision.

During his time at NC Central, Perry was a pivotal member of the 2016 Eagles team that won the MEAC title and earned the program's first-ever Celebration Bowl appearance. His commitment to excellence on the field and in the classroom paved the way for his successful transition to a career in law enforcement.

"Steven was more than a trooper — he was part of our family," the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said in a statement.

The NC Central community has come together to honor Perry's memory, with the university expressing their "strength, comfort, and sincere condolences to Trooper Perry's family and friends."

HBCUConnect's Perspective: The tragic passing of Steven Perry is a profound loss for the HBCU community, as we have lost a shining example of the impact HBCUs can have on their students and alumni. Perry's dedication to his community, both on the football field and as a state trooper, exemplifies the values and leadership that HBCUs strive to instill in their graduates. His legacy will continue to inspire current and future HBCU students to follow in his footsteps and make a positive difference in the world.

Originally reported by HBCU Sports.