The state of Texas has announced its first confirmed death stemming from the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19.
Sadly, the state revealed that 97-year-old Eddie Foster Roberts of Bay City, Texas died on Sunday, March 15th after contracting the coronavirus that has been declared a global pandemic.
Eddie Roberts was a World War II veteran and an honored member of the American Legion for more than 70 years.
According to Fox 26, Roberts’ death is the first reported COVID-19 death for the state of Texas. He was administered a test for the virus before the weekend, but results didn’t come back until after his passing.
On Monday, the test results came back positive for COVID-19, the Matagorda County Hospital District said in a statement obtained by Fox 26.
There are only two other confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county and Matagorda County Judge Nate McDonald says that health officials have expressed that they believe Roberts contracted the virus from his caretaker – who was the first person in the county to test positive for COVID-19.
The Texas Department of State Health Services has begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The spokesperson for Matagorda Regional Medical Center told Fox 26 that when someone is diagnosed with COVID-19, a team of state epidemiologists begins tracking down anyone who may have been in contact with that person.
Just a couple of years ago, Roberts was honored with a special ceremony for his dedication and outstanding membership with The American Legion. See some photos from Peggy DeLancy below.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Roberts’ family and friends during this very difficult time.