Upper Hutt teen William Jones dies one day after he was diagnosed with the flu
The family of a healthy teenager is shocked and saddened after he died just hours after being diagnosed with the flu.
William Jones, 16, was found unconscious in his bed by his mother Rebecca Rollason at their home near Wellington, New Zealand, on June 14.
She called the doctor a day earlier after William developed a sore throat and cough two days earlier.
The doctor told the concerned mother of three to give William plenty of fluids and to call again the next day if she was still concerned about his condition.
She went to check on William the next morning, but the teenager was already dead.
“We just don’t understand how this could happen to a boy who was barely sick and very healthy,” Ms Rollason told the newspaper. New Zealand Herald.
“We wonder how what started on Tuesday as a sore throat, runny nose and cough, only to be gone three days later.”
Nearly three weeks later, William’s shattered family still doesn’t know how he died.
William Jones, 16 (pictured) was found unconscious in his bed by his mother Rebecca Rollason at their home near Wellington, New Zealand, on June 14.
The grieving family is still waiting for results from specialists to determine the cause of death.
William was a talented musician who attended Upper Hutt College.
He got his driver’s license last year, just weeks after he turned 16.
Friends, loved ones and the local community are shocked by his death.
William was farewelled by his loved ones, friends, teachers and classmates at his funeral on June 21.
Mrs Rollason told the relatives that William is looking forward to his future.
“William was an amazing, talented and very smart, kind boy who we loved so much,” she said.
Rebecca Rollason (pictured) said grieving family still don’t know how William (pictured left) died hours after he was diagnosed with flu
A lifelong friend of Mrs. Rollason has set up a fundraiser on Give a little to help the family cover funeral expenses.
“It is every parent’s worst nightmare and a shocking tragedy to lose a healthy child to a sudden and short-term illness,” wrote Amanda Amies.
Nearly $15,500 has been raised so far.
“Rebecca and her family would like to let everyone know that they are so grateful for all the support and kindness,” the latest update from the fundraiser reads.
Health officials have urged Kiwis to be aware of and protect themselves against respiratory diseases such as influenza, Covid-19 and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) during the winter.
The flu is responsible for two percent of deaths in New Zealand every year.