13-year-old boy becomes Missouri’s youngest Covid death

Eighth-grader passed away from coronavirus complications less than two weeks after he last attended class

A 13-year-old boy from Missouri died over the weekend from coronavirus complications, one of the youngest in the US.

According to local news station KMOV, officials from Franklin County's Washington Middle School said eighth-grader Peyton Baumgarth passed away from complications of the virus less than two weeks after he last attended class. His last day of school was on 22 October, and he reportedly started quarantining on 26 October.

Within a few days, his symptoms had worsened, and he was hospitalised prior to his death on 31 October, according to the school district. It is not clear if the boy suffered from any pre-existing conditions.

"We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family," school officials said in an email sent to parents and staff, according to KMOV. "The family also asks that we all remember to wear masks, wash hands frequently and follow guidelines. Covid-19 is real and they want to remind students and parents to take these precautions in and outside of school."

The school also said it would provide counsellors for students when they return to in-person classes on Wednesday.

Peyton's family confirmed the death on a GoFundMe page set up to collect money for medical and funeral costs. A note on the page reads, "Peyton was a wonderful young man who always had a smile to share with you. … This is a devastating loss that leaves a tremendous hole in the heart of every person that knew Peyton."

Missouri's coronavirus case count has recently risen, with 15,000 confirmed positive cases and 78 new deaths reported in the past week. To date, the state has tallied more than 194,000 cases of Covid-19, according to The New York Times.