MACOMB COUNTY (WWJ) - A marine company in New Baltimore is raising money to offset costs for an employee's family after their 6-year-old boy died of respiratory syncytial virus, better known as RSV, this week.
Offshore Spars has raised almost $6,000 through GoFundMe for a team member and his family to help with any financial burdens — the company said they would match donations up to their goal of $5,000.
"Sailing community, one of our employees tragically lost his 6-year-old son this week to RSV. We have put together a GoFundMe page to help him cover funeral costs since he is out and unable to work at this time," a post said to the company's social media. "... If you can donate, it would be greatly appreciated to help one of our own. Thank you in advance for any donation you can make."
As of Friday, they've raised almost $1,000 more than their initial goal. View the crowd funding page here.
The young boy's death was recorded by the Oakland County Medical Examiner early Wednesday morning, who told WWJ's Sandra McNeill that the child had succumbed to RSV with complications.
The child, identified by Mandziuk and Son Funeral as Thomas Jaegar, has a planned visitation service on Nov. 13 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Mandziuk and Son Funeral Directors, Inc. located 3801 18 Mile Road in Sterling Heights.
"Thomas is a cherished nephew and cousin to many. He will be missed deeply by his adoring family and friends," the funeral page wrote.
The case comes on the same day the Oakland County Health Division said they're seeing a surge in RSV cases within the last month.
Officials said children 4-years-old and younger make up most patients seen in emergency rooms across Southeast Michigan for RSV and other illnesses.
"RSV is affecting our youngest, more vulnerable residents," Oakland County Medical Director Dr. Russell Faust said in a prepared statement. "We are concerned about RSV, flu and COVID-19 all being widespread as we move into the winter. Get your COVID and flu vaccines when eligible and wash your hands often."
More information about RSV can be found at the Health Division's website at www.oakgov.com/health or by contacting Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or noc@oakgov.com.
Nurse on Call is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Other public health information can be found by following @publichealthOC on Facebook and Twitter.
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