Second Buffalo School student dies of swine flu

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By: Admin on 2009-06-28
Buffalonews.com

A 9-year-old Buffalo girl died of swine flu today— the second Buffalo School District student to die of the disease in a week.

Maya Harden, who died just after 9:30 a.m. Saturday in Women and Children’s Hospital,  had been on life support. She was a fourth-grader at the Charles Drew Science Magnet School 59.

The girl’s death comes one week after 15-year-old Matthew Davis, an eighth-grader at Buffalo’s Harvey Austin School 97, Sycamore Street, died from swine flu complications.

“They tried everything to get her lungs circulating,” Maya’s mother, Akea Hollingsworth, said later in the day.

Because of confidentiality reasons, Buffalo School District officials did not identify the student.

Dr. James A. Williams, district superintendent, issued a statement.

“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that ... we mourn the loss of another student.  “Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time while they struggle with this terrible loss.”

Williams also pointed to the seriousness of the disease.

“... We ask parents again to remain vigilant in stopping the spread of H1N1. Please have your child wash and sanitize their hands as often as possible. The best way to remain disease free is to maintain proper hygiene and wash your hands on a regular basis.”

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