The family of an 11-year-old Alabama boy has shared their grief after losing him to complications following a flu diagnosis, despite the boy initially assuring them he was ‘fine’.
Jace Watkins, hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, was remembered by those who knew him as a ‘bright light to everyone,’ with a ‘sweet genuine smile’ that touched many.
Jace, who had no major health issues, fell ill about a week before Christmas. He visited the doctor the next day.
After being examined, the fifth grader was informed that his lungs sounded clear and returned home later that day.
His aunt, Sabrina Parsons, shared with Fox8Live: “He was a premature baby, but other than that, he’s had inhalers and stuff, but that’s been years ago. He was telling everybody he was fine, he felt fine. And then, I guess he started throwing up that night and had a seizure.”
On December 20, Jace suffered a seizure, after which he was admitted to the intensive care unit at Children’s of Alabama.
Despite being diagnosed with the flu, Jace’s condition deteriorated, and he eventually stopped breathing at one point.
A GoFundMe page organized for the family notes that Jace was placed on a ventilator, and concerns arose about his brain activity. The family reported that brain swelling had occurred, hindering proper oxygen flow to his brain.
Jace passed away on December 27, around 9:40 pm local time.
An update on the GoFundMe page states: “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.”
The page mentions that any financial contributions will be ‘treasured’, but also encourages those unable to donate to ‘send all the prayers you can’.
Jace’s grandfather, Scott Parsons, shared with Fox8Live about the overwhelming nature of the situation.
Cari McClellan, principal of Hueytown Intermediate School where Jace studied, issued a statement expressing the community’s heartbreak over the news.
“5th grader Jace Watkins passed away last night after a brief and sudden illness,” the statement read. “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.”
If you would like to contribute to the GoFundMe for Jace’s family, donations can be made here.