Actions

New York firefighter loses 5-month-old daughter to COVID-19

New York firefighter loses 5-month-old daughter to COVID-19
Posted at 10:49 AM, Apr 23, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-23 10:49:33-04

NEW YORK -- An FDNY firefighter’s infant daughter has died of COVID-19.

Jay-Natalie La Santa was just one week away from turning five months old when she died of complications from the virus, according to the FDNY Hispanic Society and the family’s GoFundMe page.

“One of the worst experiences as a parent is to go through the loss of a child. It is with extreme sorrow to announce the passing of Jay-Natalie La Santa (5 months) daughter of our newest member to the Department and to the FDNY Hispanic Society family, Jerel and Lindsey La Santa,” the FDNY Hispanic Society wrote on an Instagram post.

In a GoFundMe set up by La Santa’s family, the infant was described as “the Warrior Princess” because “she fought COVID-19 like nobody's business!!!!”

“Her fight inspired all of the nurses, doctors and staff members that knew her. Her purpose was served and she was called home on 4/20/2020. We thought we were having a baby, but had an angel instead.”

The GoFundMe page has been set up for hospitalization costs. According to the Daneille La Santa, the organizer of the page, there will be a Facebook live virtual service for Jay on May 2.

“Click on her name and add her as a friend if you'd like to participate. Thank you all so much for your kindness and generosity. We are amazed and so grateful.”

Over 21,000 deaths have been reported in the tri-state area as of Thursday.

This story was originally published by Kristine Garcia at WPIX.