KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Missouri middle schooler died this weekend due to complications from COVID-19.
The School District of Washington, Missouri, said eighth grader Peyton Baumgarth was hospitalized due to symptoms of the virus and passed away over the weekend.
Superintendent Lori VanLeer said in a letter to parents the district extends its “heartfelt sympathy” to his family and asked the public to respect their privacy.
She wrote that the family is asking everyone to follow COVID-19 safety precautions such as washing hands and wearing masks.
“COVID-19 is real and they want to remind students and parents to take these precautions in and outside of school,” VanLeer wrote.
Additional counselors will be available at the school Wednesday, according to the letter.
Peyton’s last day at school was Oct. 22. VanLeer said the school was informed he was in quarantine on Oct. 26.
Washington, Missouri, is located about an hour west of St. Louis.
A GoFundMe has been started to pay for Peyton's medical bills, funeral expenses and to cover time off work for his parents.
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