One month after a father made headlines for fighting a hospital’s visitor policy so he could be by his daughter’s side as she battled COVID-19, he has some sad news to share.
His daughter, Charlee, has died.
Kevin Swearingen shared the heartbreaking update late Thursday evening.
“Dear Heavenly Father i come to you to ask you to take good care of my Charlee Choo! Make sure that she has no more struggles. Make sure that she Can walk and she can talk,” he wrote.
“Me and my wife and others have took good care of her here on earth and now we turn Charlee over to you.”
At the beginning of the pandemic, Kevin worried about his daughter because she had a rare genetic mutation, which meant she was in the high risk category for contracting COVID-19.
Throughout the pandemic his family, abided by the guidelines. But towards the end of the summer, her oxygen levels suddenly dropped and she was brought to the hospital, according to ABC13.
She was released, but that same week she suffered numerous seizures and was admitted to Texas Children’s Hospital.
Charlee was eventually diagnosed with COVID-19 and placed on a ventilator.
Throughout her treatment for the virus, which as since killed more than 234,000 people in the United States, she suffered many complications.
But even after multiple setbacks, Charlee’s condition seemed to be improving.
Swearingen regularly shared his daughter’s updates on his Facebook and continuously asked for prayers.
Just one day before her death, Swearingen shared a post, saying that it was the “most important” day of his family’s life.
“Today is a day that We will remember forever until the day We die. It’s either going to be a great day or a horrible day. Either way it’s a day that will forever be bookmarked.”
And then hours later, the devastating news.
“Thank you for allowing me to have 17 years with the most wonderful soul I’ve ever meet. I will always love and cherish her for as long as I’m here.”
It is always extremely heartbreaking when someone dies, but especially when they’re a child.
My heart breaks for this family. I will continue to keep them in my prayers. Rest in peace Charlee.