DETROIT — A 5-year-old from the Detroit area has died from COVID-19.
According to WXYZ, the ABC affiliate in Detroit, Skylar Herbert developed a rare form of meningitis and brain swelling while battling the virus.
She died at Beaumont Royal Oak Sunday after being on a ventilator for two weeks.
"The loss of a child, at any time, under any circumstances, is a tragedy," Beaumont Hospital said in a statement. "We are heartbroken that COVID-19 has taken the life of a child. We extend our deepest sympathy to Skylar’s family and all others who have lost a loved one to this virus."
In Monday's press briefing, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer opened by talking about Skylar's death. She said both of Skylar's parents are first responders, and she reached out to them to express her condolences.
"Nobody deserves to lose a child the lives lost in this battle," the governor said. "And that's precisely what's at stake today. In every one of these I try to pause to reflect on the lives that have been lost in this battle against a virus. But today's was especially hard."
Skylar is Michigan's youngest COVID-19 victim.
As of Sunday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 633 new cases of COVID-19, making the total 31,424. This is the third day in a row that the daily case count was below 1,000.
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