COVID-19 linked to death of elderly Stephenville man

By SARA VANDEN BERGE

An elderly Stephenville man died Saturday night and two days later his family learned that a test for coronavirus taken prior to his death has come back positive.

Now local health officials are trying to determine how the man – who was in his 80s – might have contracted the virus.

“The Texas Department of State Health Services is investigating a couple of cases in Erath County regarding community spread,” said Dr. Kelly Doggett, the city’s health authority.

According to a statement from Erath County Judge Alfonso Campos, the man was tested for COVID-19 during a recent doctor’s visit.

A family member told BTS News that he showed no symptoms of coronavirus at any point prior to his passing. They said the test was administered as a precaution because of his age.

“We express our deepest sympathy for the family, as well as the families of everyone who has been affected by this outbreak and those who have been exposed,” Campos said. “We ask that everyone take the proper precautions and monitor their symptoms. Should the person exhibit symptoms, we ask that they call their physician ahead of time before going for treatment. The health of our residents and the community is our top priority, and we will continue working together to care for patients and protect the safety of health care workers and our first responders.”

A sixth case of COVID-19 in Erath County was reported on Wednesday.