HUEYTOWN, Ala. (Rickey Stokes News)
An 11-year-old boy from Hueytown has died after suffering complications from a severe case of the flu, according to family members.
Jace Watkins was hospitalized at Children’s of Alabama just days before Christmas after being diagnosed with the flu. Family members say Jace’s condition quickly worsened, and he was admitted to the intensive care unit.
According to relatives, Jace began experiencing seizures and at one point stopped breathing. He remained in critical condition in the ICU as doctors worked to stabilize him.
Late Tuesday night, Jace’s condition deteriorated further. Family members said he developed significant swelling of the brain that did not subside, preventing adequate oxygen from reaching his brain. His grandfather, Scott Parsons, described the situation as overwhelming and heartbreaking.
Family members previously told WBRC that Jace did not have any major underlying health conditions.
“He was a premature baby, but other than that, he’s had inhalers and stuff, but that was years ago,” said Jace’s aunt, Sabrina Parsons. “He was telling everybody he was fine. He felt fine. Then he started throwing up that night, and later he had a seizure.”
Jace was a fifth-grade student at Hueytown Intermediate School, where classmates and staff are mourning his loss.
Statement from School Administration
The principal of Hueytown Intermediate released the following statement regarding Jace’s passing:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our students, Jace Watkins. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, classmates, and teachers during this incredibly difficult time. We will continue to support our school community as we grieve together.”
Counselors are expected to be made available to students and staff as the school community processes the loss.
