A college professor, whose rhetoric had been labeled “vile” and “hateful” by his university, died from a self-inflicted gunshot, police said Monday.
New Hanover County Sheriff’s deputies were asked to check on University of North Carolina-Wilmington professor Mike Adams, who hadn’t been heard from or seen in a few days.
“Once they were able to gain access to the home, deputies found the homeowner, Mike Adams, deceased in a bedroom,” Sheriff’s Lt. Jerry Brewer said in a statement on Monday.
“Detectives began their investigation in partnership with the medical examiner and it was ascertained that Mr. Adams committed suicide with a single gunshot wound to the head.”
The 55-year-old Adams, who lived alone, is survived by his brother, Brewer said.
Adam taught sociology and criminology, and was well-known on campus for racist and sexist tweets and other commentary, including about Muslims, gays and efforts to fight the coronavirus.
That extensive history prompted UNCW on June 5 to call out his “hateful,” “distasteful” and “vile” language. Then weeks later on June 29, the school announced that Adams had decided to retire Aug. 1.
