First Erie County Resident Passes Away Due to COVID-19

CDC

"We were hoping that this day would never come, but I am deeply saddened to report to you our first death of an Erie County resident," Kathy Dahlkemper began. 

The man was in his 80s. He went to the hospital to for health complications and was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Sunday, March 29. He passed away at Allegheny Health Network's St. Vincent Hospital on Thursday, April 23. 

Dahlkemper stated:

"Our deepest sympathy goes out this gentleman's family. Our thoughts and our prayers, and the thoughts and the prayers of the whole community are with you at this very difficult time. We are truly blessed to have a facility like St. Vincent here in Erie County, the leadership and staff at St. Vincent Hospital have truly been valuable partners in this fight against COVID-19, and they took utmost care of this gentleman as they do with all of their patients. We know that each patient diagnosed with COVID-19 who goes to St. Vincent Hospital has his or her own specific team and unit dedicated to their care, so thank you so much for the caregivers and the hospital staff that was assigned as a team to take care of this gentleman. Thank you for all of your efforts." 

This marks the first death of an Erie County resident. Previously, a resident of Chautauqua County, N.Y., passed away after being transported to an Erie hospital. 

More on this as the story develops. Due to an error, the initial draft of this article incorrectly stated that the man's death was on March 23 rather than April 23.