A Costa Rican family in Utah, United States, is mourning the loss of Silvia Meléndez, a 24-year-old who died from the new coronavirus. She passed on March 28, after eight days in the hospital.
She was especially vulnerable to the effects of the virus due to having had heart surgery a few years ago and also suffering diabetes. This made covid-19 all the more complicated in her case. She had to be sedated and put on a breathing tube. Her blood pressure continued to drop. Her oxygen level was starting to improve but then her heart began beating too fast.
Her mother was also hospitalized but has been released. Her father and two siblings had symptoms that did not require hospitalization.
The family has not requested assistance from consular authorities. They plan to have her funeral in Utah and remember her life. She is remembered as being “one of the most loving, caring and kind people, who would always strive to help.” She was optimistic and family oriented.
The family is collecting donations for the funeral via Go Fund Me. They also ask us to show support by staying home.
