Teen loses both parents to coronavirus just days apart
A teenager who lost both his parents to coronavirus just days apart is urging people to take precautions that could potentially save someone’s life.
Justin Hunter and his parents Eugene, 59, and Angie, 57 all tested positive for coronavirus last week.
While the 17-year-old was asymptomatic, his parents had high fevers, a cough and headaches.
Justin’s parents were both admitted to the same hospital and his father, a musician, died first on July 26, according to WSB.
"The last thing he said was, 'I love you and I'm going to get better, and I'm going to keep fighting,'" Justin told the media outlet.
Ms Hunter worked as a human resources executive and succumbed to her illness on July 30, telling her son she loved him before she passed.
Justin, an only child, explained his parents took all precautions to ensure they didn’t get sick, saying his mother would wear a mask and gloves when going to the store and he is now urging others to do the same.
"If you don't wear it for yourself, wear it for the next person, because you could be saving that person's life," Justin said.
When asked by CNN's Chris Cuomo how his parents lived before becoming ill with COVID-19, he said his parents lived with no regret.
“They just lived their life,” he said.
“They lived their life and they were very successful in their life and I want to be just like them when I’m older.”
A GoFundMe set up to assist Justin has raised over $450,000 and it is clear the Hunters left an impression on their local Georgia community.
“The Hunter family has been a shining light in the Denmark, Johns Creek and South Forsyth communities for such a long time,” the GoFundMe says.
“The loss of Angie and Eugene this week has left us all with such heavy hearts.”
Coronavirus Victoria: More than 400 cases as death toll soars again
'It breaks my heart': The Project host's emotional coronavirus admission
'Dying not only worry': Coronavirus 'long-hauler' details horrific symptoms
Even strangers donated to the cause after seeing Justin share his story on various news sites.
“I saw Justin on Chris Cuomo last night and was very impressed with his courage and the strength with which his parents raised him,” someone said on the GoFundMe.
“May their memories be a blessing and may he live a long, beautiful life.”
"My parents are in a better place. They aren't suffering at all. They are probably up there partying, having fun."
A Georgia teen who lost both his parents to Covid-19 in the same week, shares his heartbreak, but says he knows God has his back. pic.twitter.com/yEyaUylH0H— Cuomo Prime Time (@CuomoPrimeTime) August 4, 2020
Justin told CNN he is living with relatives following the death of his parents. He said he has chosen to accept what has happened and is trying to move on.
In Georgia, there have been over 195,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 4000 deaths, according to state data.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
