AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man in his late 90s is the first death from COVID-19 in Texas, according to Matagorda County officials.
He died Sunday evening at Matagorda Regional Medical Center with symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Later on Monday, hospital officials received confirmation that he tested positive.
He was a resident of the county, officials said, and they are investigating a possible community link to an earlier positive case in the county. That case was a woman in her 60s.
Texas DSHS confirmed the death Tuesday morning.
“We are deeply saddened today to learn that a fellow Texan has died from COVID-19,” Gov. Greg Abbott said. “The First Lady and I send our deepest condolences and prayers to the family and loved ones during their time of mourning.”
“Texas Department of State Health Services continues the investigation into the first patients’ health history and travel,” Matagorda County Emergency Operation Center wrote in a release.
DSHS commissioner Dr. John Hellerstedt said the death, “shows the gravity of the situation.”
“It’s critically important for us all to take actions that will help protect our most vulnerable citizens,” Hellerstedt said.
