Derek Ross Sterling, a 41-year-old man from Durham, NC, passed away on August 30, 2022. Derek was born on May 4, 1981, to Michael Ross Sterling and Jane Winecoff Levin in Sanford, NC. He spent his early years in Sanford before moving to Hillsborough, NC, where he was raised. Derek was a scholar-athlete at Orange High School, excelling in both wrestling and soccer.
He began his college career at Gardner Webb University on a soccer scholarship before transferring to Appalachian State University, where he graduated with a degree in Healthcare Management. After college, Derek enlisted in the Navy and trained with the Navy SEALs in Coronado, California. He served on the USS Carl Vinson and had two international deployments. Derek was known for his optimism, charisma, and love for sports, particularly Carolina athletics.
On the evening of August 30, 2022, Derek Sterling was found shot in the 3600 block of Hillsborough Road in Durham, NC. The Durham Police Department responded to a report of a shooting at around 6:15 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Derek had been shot and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The shooting did not appear to be random, according to the police.
Frederick Johnson, a 52-year-old man from Durham, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection to Derek Sterling's death. The police investigation revealed that Johnson used a 2018-2020 Acura TLX with a sunroof during the crime. Johnson is currently being held at the Durham County Jail with no bond. The motive behind the shooting has not been disclosed by the authorities.
Derek Sterling's death has left a significant impact on his family, friends, and the community. He is survived by his parents, Jane and Paul Levin, and Mike and Cheri Sterling; his sister, Anna Sterling; his brothers, Carson Sterling and Bennett Sterling; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a niece and nephew. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes of Hillsborough.
