A Bogalusa, La., couple who died from COVID-19 just days from each other are remembered as “sweethearts” by their family and friends.
According to WWL TV, Charles Helton, age 64, and his wife, Pam Helton, age 70, were beloved in Washington Parish, where they lived.
“It’s definitely a big hole that’s going to be tough to fill but they’re always going to be with us, every day,” said Justin Blackwell who is a close friend of the Helton family.
The couple was found in their home Tuesday. Pam was dead and Charles was unresponsive. He was rushed to Our Lady of the Angels Hospital in Bogalusa, where he spent two days on a ventilator and died Thursday. Family members say neither had been vaccinated yet.
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Blackwell is a detective at the Bogalusa Police Department where Charles Helton spent 30 years, starting as a patrolman and ending his career as warden of the city jail when he retired two years ago. However, he returned to serve a deputy for the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.
“This job is not meant for everybody. Mr. Charles definitely was born with it in his genes to serve everybody in this parish and in this city,” said Blackwell.
Pam Helton worked as a crisis counselor and community volunteer, said WWL TV. She also helped the sheriff’s office with senior lunches.
“She also is someone who goes above and beyond to help anybody,” said Blackwell. “She puts anybody before hers.”
In addition to their service to the community, the Heltons had children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“They were sweethearts” Blackwell said.
He said the bond between the couple was so strong that the probably could not live without one another.
“They were in love. They couldn’t live without each other.
They had a happy life,” said Blackwell.
Losing the couple has had an impact on the people they left behind, he said. Especially in regards to the ongoing pandemic.
“COVID is definitely something that opens your eyes, especially with someone like Ms. Pam and Mr. Charles,” said Blackwell. “It opens your eyes on just how serious this can be.”
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