A New Jersey mother and son have passed away from coronavirus within one week of each other.
Carolyn Martins-Reitz, 55, died in late March after being admitted to Clara Maass Medical Center for a fever and an underlying heart condition, reported NJ.com.
Thomas Martins died one week later at the same hospital, on the eve of his 30th birthday.
Carolyn was devoted to her son, who had Down syndrome.
“Carolyn was completely wrapped up in Thomas and Thomas in her as well,” Dana Regan, an administrator at Thomas’ school, told PIX11. “They were just very, very close. He was her world and she the same for him.”
After Carolyn was hospitalized, Thomas panicked and later developed his own symptoms. He was hospitalized one day later.
Both were later tested and received positive diagnoses.
After Carolyn’s death, associates at Thomas’ school gathered to help him celebrate his 30th birthday.
“We got the staff together on a zoom session and sang happy birthday all together. We recorded it and I was able to talk to Thomas a little bit and play that video for him so he can hear us all wishing him happy birthday,” said Regan.
Just hours later, Thomas succumbed to the virus and died at the hospital on April 5th.
Amid the tragedy, Regan finds solace in knowing Carolyn and Thomas are at peace together.
“I think she knew he would be happiest with her,” she added. “I don’t know how he could’ve woken up and feel that devastating loss and then try to go on and do things he always did without her by his side.”
Thomas is survived by his step-father and a younger sister.
Friends and family of Carolyn and Thomas’ have set up a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for medical and funeral expenses. As of Friday, they’ve raised over $20,000.
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