FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 9/7/2009) The H1N1 virus took the life of a 13-year-old White Station Middle School Student Monday.
The Shelby County Health Department hasn't released the name of this child yet. He was admitted to the hospital last week.
"We all miss him and love him," said Alexis Kelley.
She has fond memories of the 8th grader who died.
"He was just so nice, he would hang up my backpack for me because I couldn't reach my locker, and he was always like let me reach it for you," she said.
Kelley describes the teen as a popular student and a talented football player.
The health department has received several reports of flu-like illnesses from folks across Shelby County. A spokesperson says compared to the seasonal flu, the H1N1 virus is hitting young people particularly hard.
Bradley Martin says teachers have been educating them about taking safety precautions. News of his friend's death hits too close to home.
"It's kind of scary, knowing someone that died from it," he said.
Parent Ida Kelley says this serves as a wake-up call.
"You think it could've been my child, my heart goes out to the parents," she said.
Meanwhile her daughter struggles to understand why her friend's gone.
"You're too young, we all loved you, I'm really gonna miss you, we all will," said Kelley.
The decision on whether to close a school is left up to the individual school. Phone calls and e-mails to Memphis City Schools were not returned as of late Monday night.
The health department is holding a news conference Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m. Stay tuned to WREG. We will carry it live on News Channel 3 as well as at wreg.com..
- 13-year-old boy dies from H1N1 virus
- Health Department is investigating any contributing factors to his death
- News Conference scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on WREG
(Memphis 9/7/2009) The H1N1 virus took the life of a 13-year-old White Station Middle School Student Monday.
The Shelby County Health Department hasn't released the name of this child yet. He was admitted to the hospital last week.
"We all miss him and love him," said Alexis Kelley.
She has fond memories of the 8th grader who died.
"He was just so nice, he would hang up my backpack for me because I couldn't reach my locker, and he was always like let me reach it for you," she said.
Kelley describes the teen as a popular student and a talented football player.
The health department has received several reports of flu-like illnesses from folks across Shelby County. A spokesperson says compared to the seasonal flu, the H1N1 virus is hitting young people particularly hard.
Bradley Martin says teachers have been educating them about taking safety precautions. News of his friend's death hits too close to home.
"It's kind of scary, knowing someone that died from it," he said.
Parent Ida Kelley says this serves as a wake-up call.
"You think it could've been my child, my heart goes out to the parents," she said.
Meanwhile her daughter struggles to understand why her friend's gone.
"You're too young, we all loved you, I'm really gonna miss you, we all will," said Kelley.
The decision on whether to close a school is left up to the individual school. Phone calls and e-mails to Memphis City Schools were not returned as of late Monday night.
The health department is holding a news conference Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m. Stay tuned to WREG. We will carry it live on News Channel 3 as well as at wreg.com..
