An 11-year-old boy has died after battling a severe case of the flu. Jace Watkins was killed on Saturday, December 27, a week after being hospitalized at an Alabama hospital. Now, his family has spoken out on the horrific tragedy.
Jace Watkins, 11, died Saturday night. He had been hospitalized for a week in the intensive care unit at Children’s of Alabama after being diagnosed with the flu. He began having seizures and, at one point, even stopped breathing. On Tuesday, Jace’s conditions worsened.
Per Fox 8, his family stated he was suffering from swelling in his brain that had not subsided, which prevented enough oxygen from reaching his brain. Jace Watkins’ aunt, Sabrina Parsons, said he had no underlying health issues.
“He was a premature baby, but other than that, he’s had inhalers and stuff, but that’s been years ago,” she told Fox 8. “He was telling everybody he was fine, he felt fine. And then, I guess he started throwing up that night and had a seizure.”
The aunt also made an emotional Facebook post on Dec. 28: “I just want to say.. Jace never even got to open his Christmas gifts … What do we even do now?”
She continued: “This will forever weigh over our family.”
11-year-old boy dies from flu
Jace Watkins was a fifth-grade student at Hueytown Intermediate School. The school’s principal decided to share a heartbreaking statement after the news of the boy’s passing.
“Our hearts are broken this morning. 5th grader Jace Watkins passed away last night after a brief and sudden illness. There really aren’t words to adequately describe what we’re feeling right now. Jace was a bright light to everyone who knew him. His sweet genuine smile will be missed by all. Please continue to pray for his family, and our school family, as we all work to navigate this unimaginable loss.”
A GoFundMe has been created for Jace Watkins and his family. As of December 30, it has raised more than $13.000. The description reads that Jace “went to be with the Lord around 9:40” on December 27.
“The family truly appreciates all the prayers and love that you all have given. We are leaving this fundraiser open to assist with medical bills and laying our sweet Jace to rest. Please continue to pray for strength and understanding for the family,” it read.
“Jace Watkins, 11, was sick on Thursday, visited a doctor Friday, and was told his lungs sounded clear. He then had a seizure on Saturday and was rushed to Children’s. Diagnosed with the flu, Jace is battling for his life in critical condition at Children’s of Alabama. He is on a ventilator, and it is unknown if he has brain activity.”
“So loved by everyone”
“We are hoping to raise money to ease the worries of medical bills so the family can devote all of their energy to doing what is needed to make sure Jace gets the care he deserves.”
On Facebook, Jace’s grandmother, Joann Clayton Parsons, also shared an emotional post, thanking the community for their support. “I just want to think each and every one of you for all the sweet kind words and the prayers for my sweet great-grandson Jace Watkins,” she wrote.
“He was so loved by everyone [and] our hearts are [broken], but you will never know what it meant to us for y’all to show so much love to us and to Jace,” Parsons added.
Rest in peace, Jace. We are sending our prayers to his family.
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