Georgia teen mourns the loss of both parents from coronavirus
Rising senior and high school football player, Justin Hunter, says his mother and father died four days apart from each other
17-year-old Justin Hunter had to say goodbye to his parents over the phone. His final words to both of them were, “I love you.”
Eugene and Angie Hunter had been staying at home and following CDC protocols, their son said. She would even wipe down groceries with disinfecting wipes when she got home. However, the couple still contracted coronavirus sometime in July.
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Justin Hunter told local Atlanta station, WSB-TV 2 that his parents “became very sick and they had the clear symptoms.”
He continued, “Their temperatures skyrocketed. They had headaches. Horrible cough. They felt very lazy.”
In an interview with The Today Show, Hunter explained that his father, Eugene Hunter, 59, passed away on July 26 at Emory Johns Creek Hospital.
His mother expired on July 30 at the same hospital. She was 56.
Hunter told WSB that his parents had been married for 35 years and met in college. His mother was a human resources executive. His father was known in his church community for being a talented saxophone player.
“They were just loving toward everybody. No matter what,” Hunter said. “If you had a problem, they would be there to help you. You know that they had very big hearts and they would give without even thinking about getting anything back.”
“I’m glad my mom and dad aren’t suffering anymore. I’m glad they’re in a better place,” Hunter told TODAY. “Knowing they’re back together, that brings me peace. My mom was grieving really bad.”
Justin Hunter, a rising high school senior and football player, is currently staying with family members. He is an only child.
Hunter has also tested positive for COVID-19. He is asymptomatic and feels “completely fine.” He said that he has no idea how his family contracted the deadly virus.
He says that he is going to do all that he can to make his parents proud.
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“They never raised me to sit around and feel sorry for myself in any situation, and I just gotta keep going and pushing,” Hunter said. “I know they’re happy up there and that’s what makes me happy.”
A GoFundMe has been established for the teen and has raised nearly half a million dollars.
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