BAKER – A local high school student-athlete ill with coronavirus died Wednesday.
Several Baker sources tell WBRZ that Patrick Sanders, 14, died Wednesday morning. Sanders was a 9th grader at Baker High School and played on the football team.
Mayor Darnell Waites told WBRZ on Wednesday that the teen’s death highlighted the importance of vaccinations.
“If we want to save lives, we have to make the decision to save lives,” Waites said. “That wasn’t his fault.”
Sources also said the Baker High football team is currently in quarantine for a possible exposure.
Baker Schools Superintendent Dr. De’Ette Perry said Baker High classes would be virtual from Aug. 26 to Sept. 7, citing three students who had tested positive so far.
The news comes on the same day that the state reported that a baby died due to COVID-19.
Mayor Waites issued the following statement on Wednesday afternoon.
“The loss of such a young life is always a tragedy and the avoidable loss of this young life is heartbreaking. Young Mr. Sanders had his whole life ahead of him; one of ambition and promise. The pain I feel for the his family and loved ones is immense.
To your family, please accept my deepest sympathies and know that my prayers are with you now and forever. May God heal you in his infinite graces and bless you with his love. “
East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome also shared her condolences and issued the following statement on Wednesday:
“Today, our parish has learned of the heartbreaking loss of a young Baker resident due to COVID-19.
All deaths from this virus occur with immense pain, especially the passing of a ninth grader from our community.
At this time, all residents of our community have been affected by COVID-19.
This shows that even our youngest and most resilient loved ones are at risk.
I hope we can come together to avoid further losses.
My prayers are with Patrick Sanders ’family, friends and community.“