The first student homicide since Eve Carson, the shocking death of a freshman and the subsequent investigations have dominated headlines. Loss marked others, too, as UNC lost its pristine academic reputation, system leader Bill Friday, and soon, a chancellor.

Students mourned

The UNC community mourned the deaths of students Faith Hedgepeth, David Shannon, Eric Metcalf, Trevor Dolan and Stephanie Ahlbom in 2012.

While the deaths of Hedgepeth and Shannon launched police investigations in Chapel Hill and Carrboro, respectively, the losses of Metcalf, Dolan and Ahlbom also left deep voids in the lives of those left behind.

Faith Hedgepeth

Hedgepeth was found dead in her off-campus apartment on Sept. 7. The homicide investigation into her death is still open.

David Shannon

Shannon was found dead in Carrboro on Oct. 27. Police say he fell 40 feet from concrete machinery. The probe is still open.

Eric Metcalf

Metcalf, a sophomore and Cary resident, died July 8 in a rock climbing accident at Hanging Rock State Park. He was 19 years old.

Trevor Dolan

Dolan, a senior, died on Oct. 7. Friends said he died by suicide. Majoring in history and psychology, he was interested in cooking.

Stephanie Ahlbom

Ahlbom, of Apex, a master’s candidate in the occupational therapy program, died unexpectedly on Feb. 10. She entered the program in the fall of 2011, and was enrolled in one course in the spring semester.

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Campus

Chancellor Holden Thorp steps down after turbulent tenure

When Chancellor Holden Thorp announced on Sept. 17 that he was stepping down at the end of the year, the University wasn’t ready for him to give up.

UNC housekeepers’ struggle for equal rights continues

Review of fraudulent courses still ongoing

Chancellor Holden Thorp steps down after turbulent tenure

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City

Still no answers in Hedgepeth killing

Faith Danielle Hedgepeth was a UNC junior, a daughter, a friend and an aspiring pediatrician.

Looking back on legislation

Questions in David Shannon death remain unanswered

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State

UNC-system father Bill Friday dies at 92

On the day UNC-CH celebrated the 219th anniversary of the laying of the foundation for the nation’s first state university building, the University and the state mourned the loss of the UNC system’s most foundational figure, its cornerstone — William Friday.

Governor-elect Pat McCrory plans for office

Tuition and fee hikes show no signs of stopping

Amendment One passes

UNC-system Board of Governors strategic plan moves forward

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Sports

UNC enters new era under Fedora

Just three months after Larry Fedora was hired away from Southern Mississippi, in December of last year, the NCAA Committee on Infractions ruled on March 12 that his first team would be ineligible to play in a bowl game.

UNC field hockey team walks away from national championship empty handed

Basketball teams aim for stronger finishes

Olympic sports recap 2012

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Arts

‘Rite of Spring at 100’ off to a fiery start

Carolina Performing Arts’ “The Rite of Spring at 100” series might not have culminated in a riot in 2012, but the series is off to a fiery start.

CUAB acts meet with mixed success

LAB!, Company Carolina and Pauper Players expand breadth despite space issues