Beloved Hosack Elementary custodian from O'Hara Township died from viral encephalitis, medical examiner says

Kevin Cavlovich, the late head custodian at Hosack Elementary School, passed away from viral encephalitis, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s office announced Thursday, April 13.

Viral encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain caused by a virus. The medical examiner ruled that the death was natural.

Cavlovich died Jan. 5 in his O’Hara Township home at age 30. His unexpected death prompted an outpouring of grief among Hosack students, faculty and administrators.

Viral encephalitis is a very rare complication of the flu, said Stephanie Waters, Cavlovich’s sister and a nurse anesthetist at UPMC Mercy hospital. She previously worked at the neuro intensive care unit at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh.

Waters, of Regent Square, said her brother was covid-positive during winter break and coincidentally picked up viral encephalitis. Since the symptoms mimic each other, Waters said “he would’ve had no idea that this happened.”

She said viral encephalitis has a high mortality rate. She said the medical examiner’s report showed that her brother was a completely healthy 30-year-old male. The viral encephalitis was discovered through an examination of his brain tissue.

“We’re happy we do have a diagnosis. It does give us some closure,” Waters said.

Viral encephalitis is not contagious and cannot be spread person to person, she said.

Cavlovich’s family is meeting with the medical examiner to get any more information.

As head custodian at Hosack, Cavlovich was beloved for participating in staff competitions and dress-up days; he bought balloons for special student lunches, even carried sick students to the nurse’s office. He was the first recipient of the North Allegheny Support Service Compass Award in August 2022 for his spirit and service.

Waters said the family is thankful for the support it received from North Allegheny.