The son of the president of the Connecticut Right to Life has passed away due to complications from the novel coronavirus.
News of Mike O’Brien ’s death was shared Friday by Peter Wolfgang, president of the Family Institute of Connecticut Action, a conservative organization dedicated to defending family values and morals.
Wolfgang spoke with O’Brien’s brother, Chris, who is also a leading pro-life voice in Connecticut. Chris said his brother “had allergies and had just developed a persistent cough but downplayed the illness, thinking it was something else.”
“He eventually reached the point where he was coughing so much that he had no other choice but to go to the hospital,” Chris told Wolfgang. “By then it was, ultimately, too late. Mike had DJ’d an event in Westchester County the week before St. Patrick’s Day. It is probable that he got it there.”
O’Brien was only 35 years old.
“Chris, himself a paramedic, asks that these details be included when contemplating the COVID-19 death of a 35-year-old man,” wrote Wolfgang. “He doesn’t want to panic anyone. But he does want us to take all the usual precautions and to BE PROACTIVE if something is wrong with our health, to get out ahead of it and not wait too long.”
On Thursday, Chris shared a lengthy post on Facebook, encouraging his followers and friends to take this virus, COVID-19, seriously. He is encouraging people to follow the advisories from our medical experts and political leaders, practicing social distancing and self-quarantining measures.
He wrote:
If you do get sick, rest and plenty of fluids will keep you hydrated until your immune system gets you better. Tylenol can control a fever and moisturizing decongestants can help you sleep. Most of us will be just fine with home care, and that’s what you should be happy to know. It will be unpleasant, but we’ll be okay.
If you need a doctor, try telemedicine first. If you have to see a doctor in person, call ahead.
A surprising number of younger folks in their 30s and 40s have been hospitalized by the virus nationwide. Healthy people. That’s why advisories should be taken by EVERYONE, not just the older population.
“I hope this will all be behind us soon and sometime this summer we can greet each other like we normally do,” he concluded. “Let’s stay #AmericaStrong, because we can do this together.”