Virus claims Michigan's youngest victim, Detroit girl, 5

DETROIT (AP) — A 5-year-old Detroit girl is the youngest person in Michigan reported as having died from complications due to COVID-19, according to state data.

Skylar Herbert died Sunday at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, north of Detroit.

Skylar’s mother, LaVondria Herbert, has been a Detroit police officer for 25 years. Her father, Ebbie, is a firefighter of 18 years.

Mayor Mike Duggan called the girl “a real daughter of Detroit.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer opened her daily briefing with a tribute to the family.

“They’ve been on the front line and they’ve served with honor and integrity," Whitmer said. "They did not deserve to lose their child to this virus. Nobody does.”

Whitmer and Duggan both said Skylar's death underlines the need to continue to exercise strict social distancing.

“I know that there are many prices that are being paid right now," Whitmer said. "But the price of losing your child or your father or mother -- any loved one - that’s what’s really at stake here.”

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. But it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, for some people, especially older adults and people with existing health problems.

Coronavirus infections leading to death are unusual among children.

“The loss of a child, at any time, under any circumstances, is a tragedy," Beaumont Hospital said in a statement. "We are heartbroken that COVID-19 has taken the life of a child. We extend our deepest sympathy to Skylar’s family and all others who have lost a loved one to this virus.”

Skylar is the youngest in Michigan to die due to the virus, according to data collected by the state’s Department of Health and Human Services.

The other victims in Michigan ranged from 20 to 107 years old.

Skylar was one of 47 Detroit residents to die due to the virus over the past three days. The city on Monday had 7,736 confirmed coronavirus cases and 629 deaths.

“There are no words to express how deeply saddened we are by the passing of our beloved member Skylar Herbert. Skylar touched our hearts with her cheerful spirit and brightened our Sundays with her smile,” Metropolitan Church of God said on Facebook.

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Eggert reported from Lansing, Michigan.