- Katelyn Bowling died after suffering a stroke that led to brain damage
- Her family says the teen suffered complications from COVID-19
- a GoFundMe was set up to help the family pay medical expenses
A Georgia teenager has died after suffering a stroke that led to irreversible brain damage from Covid, her family said.
Katelyn Bowling, who was 15, already had cerebral palsy, but after a bout of COVID-19, family members say she suffered a stroke that severely affected her motor skills.
Katelyn died Wednesday, according to her aunt, Sonya Bowling.
In a brief statement, Bremen City Schools, west of Atlanta, said they were “deeply saddened” to learn of Katelyn’s death.
15-year-old Katelyn Bowling from Georgia has died after suffering a stroke that led to irreversible brain damage
Katelyn is pictured next to her teacher Cassandra Mason and several other of her friends
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family pay for medical expenses
“Please keep the Bowling family in your thoughts and prayers,” school officials said.
Before Katelyn’s death, a teacher urged people who knew the teen to pray for the girl.
‘Anyone who knows me knows how much I’ve been talking about this girl here! She is the most incredibly loving, sweet, sassy and funniest girl I have ever known!,” wrote Cassandra Mason.
‘I love her with all my heart. Please also pray for her parents who are beside themselves right now,” Mason added in a Facebook post.
Katelyn Bowling, 15, died last Wednesday but was buried in a ceremony on Sunday. She is pictured with her father, Eric Bowling
Katelyn is seen in several photos, including some with her teacher Cassandra Mason
The family now has one GoFundMe after having to miss work to care for Katelyn and now struggling to make ends meet.
Many left their condolence messages on an obituary page for the girl.
‘Hello dear Katelyn. You made such an impact on so many in your short life. You will be missed by so many,” Deirdre Morris wrote.
“Every time I saw her she had a smile on her face and every time I was sad I came to see her and it made me feel better,” Skyler Pate said.
‘This sweet girl was a great light in this world. Her smile was so infectious. I remember working with her. It was a pleasure to see her every day. Until we meet the beautiful Katelyn again,” Felecia added.