Nine-Year-Old Dies Suddenly of COVID-19

VERNON, TX -- The family of nine-year-old J.J. Boatman is facing a terrible situation after J.J. passed away from COVID-19 complications.

A few weeks ago, J.J. celebrated his 9th birthday with cake and tacos in Vernon.

“He was a loving, caring little boy. Like, every time he would see you or any family member, he’d run up and hug you," said his uncle Gabriel Ayala. "We never knew this was going to be his last birthday."

According to his family, J.J. loved being active and playing with siblings and older sisters.

J.J. appeared to be fine on Sunday night, but by Monday morning his health began to deteriorate.

"My wife told me that he was purple, blue, and screaming that he couldn't breathe. He was yelling for help," said Jason Boatman, J.J.'s father.

The 9-year-old was rushed to a Vernon hospital where doctors performed CPR to keep him alive.

J.J. was then airlifted from Vernon to Cook Children’s Medical Center.

By the time J.J. was admitted to the specialized hospital, his lungs had filled with fluid. J.J.'s brain was also swollen from the lack of oxygen.

According to doctors, J.J. tested positive for coronavirus and died from complications related to the disease.

His parents are in disbelief because J.J. had exhibited no symptoms and the day before and had no underlying medical conditions.

His father confirmed J.J. had ADHD and took medication to help him sleep.

Hours after J.J. was admitted, the nine-year-old died.

"The nurse came in Tuesday morning and told me that his heart was failing, and that's what happened," said Boatman. "The hardest part was coming home, unlocking the door, and seeing all of his stuff in the living room." 

The rapid progression of the virus in J.J.'s body prompted doctors to order an autopsy to determine what factors could contribute to his death.

A GoFundMe account has been created to help the Boatman family pay for his funeral expenses.

The GoFundMe page shared the following message:

"J.J. Boatman was born to Priscilla and Jason Boatman of Vernon, Texas. He was always happy and full of life, he had two older sisters Sabrina and Electra.  He was running around playing one day and by that night he was having difficulty breathing. He got flown to Ft. Worth where he was placed on a ventilator and the doctor said his lungs were filled with liquid and his brain had swollen from lack of oxygen. He was very strong and hung on for more than 12 hours, but at the end Covid-19 claimed another young victim. He had just turned 9 years old earlier this month. Any donations will help immensely. Thank You."