Just 20 minutes after his first grandchild was born, a Florida man died of COVID-19.
Shane ONeal (40), died of COVID-19 around 3:30 AM on Sept. At 3:49 AM on the same day, his daughter Kylie Dean gave birth to Preston.
Dean, an ICU nurse, said that her father was thrilled about the birth of his grandchild.
She said that he would always go to the shop and pick up baby toys or clothes every time.
Her father, a Jacksonville resident, was tested positive for COVID-19 and was admitted to the hospital for his symptoms. Dean stated that her father had not been vaccinated against COVID-19 but was due to be inoculated the week after he tested positive.
ONeal, who lives in Jacksonville, was still in the hospital at the time Dean went into labor.
USA TODAY told her that her father called her around 3:00 a.m. the morning she gave birth. She was surrounded by family and friends.
He said, "I'm sorry, I have to tell you that right now, but my father, despite all his efforts, is not going to make it."
I was sobbing and broke down. She said that my family and friends were standing by my window, just watching me literally break. This is probably the best way I can describe it. I felt broken.
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First Coast News reported that Dean had searched for an ECMO device to help her father recover from the virus prior to his death. This machine supports the function and health of the heart, lungs, and brain.
Dean recalled her father being "super funny" as well as "a great dad."
She said, "He did everything for me and to my brother.
Shane O'Neal
Dean said that her son, her newborn, is already reminding Dean of her father.
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My dad would sign the "I love you" sign in sign language. I have looked at Preston's hands a few times and noticed that he had the sign in sign language. It's possible that it's a coincidence, but I always think of my dad whenever I see it.
As the delta variant continues its spread, Florida is also documenting thousands of COVID-19-related cases every week. According to data provided by Florida health officials, the state recorded 75,906 cases between Sept. 10 and Sept 16.
The new COVID-19 variant: What do we know about the mu version and why Fauci is "keeping a very close watch on it"
This article first appeared on USA TODAY. A Florida man is killed by COVID just minutes before his grandchild is born.
