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Makenzie Gongora died in her sleep just three days after testing positive for COVID-19. (Image via GoFundMe)
A family in San Antonio, Texas, urges parents not to underestimate the seriousness of COVID-19 for children after the death of 9-year-old Makenzie Gongora.
On February 2, Makenzie died unexpectedly in her sleep just three days after testing positive for COVID-19. According to family, the grade 4 student experienced “mild” symptoms but no respiratory problems.
Kristle Gongora, Makenzie’s mother, took her to Brooke Army Medical Center on January 29 where she received a strep, flu and COVID test. Earlier in the day, Makenzie reportedly complained of headaches and stomach pains to workers at her aftercare center, who discovered she also had a fever. Although the strep and flu tests were negative, Makenzie tested positive for COVID-19.
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In an interview with TODAY, Erica Gongora, Makenzie’s aunt, said Makenzie had no breathing problems when she was sent home from the medical center.
Makenzie Gongora died three days after testing positive for COVID-19. (Image via GoFundMe)
“The doctors told my sister-in-law to (take) her home and make her comfortable, to monitor her fever, and whether it had overcome a certain point, or if there were other major problems, to continue and bring her back to the hospital, “Gongora said.” There was no difficulty breathing or anything like that at that point. “
For the next few days, Makenzie’s symptoms apparently remained mild. On February 1, Makenzie complained that she had a sore stomach and was tired, and asked to go to bed early. She died in her sleep in the early morning hours of February 2, her father’s birthday.
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In the hours after Makenzie’s death, her father Nathan, an army guard, and her younger sister, Sophia, also tested positive for COVID-19. Kristle, a medical assistant and essential worker, had already been vaccinated and tested negative.
Makenzie Gongora died in the early hours of February 2 in her sleep, Nathan’s birthday.
Makenzie’s family is not aware of any underlying health conditions, but notes that she was small for her age. The Gongoras are currently awaiting a report from medical investigators to officially determine the cause of death.
The family hopes people will not underestimate the seriousness of the COVID-19 for children by sharing Makenzie’s story.
“(Makenzie’s parents) followed all the guidelines they gave of the doctors, and the doctors were also surprised that Makenzie was one of the children taken by COVID,” Gongora said.
Victoria Southworth of Makenzie’s maternal aunt said San Antonio Express News, that her niece was a bright and happy child.
“She was tiny, tiny, like a little pixie fairy, but very protective and sweet and loving and just very loving.” ”
A GoFundMe account has been created to support the Gongora family. Click here to visit.
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