UPDATE: According to a CTV News article, “Ahmed [Yassin’s Father] told reporters that Yassin was in and out of hospital after contracting COVID-19 in mid-January.”
“They were not there at the time of his death and they were not there to watch him struggle with COVID-19,” the Translator for Ahmed explained.
Ahmed, speaking in Arabic, said “He hopes the rumours will be stopped.”
Yassin Dabeh died suddenly on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2020 and was buried the next day.
Dabeh’s death is being classified as a COVID-19-related death following many on social media are wondering whether the 19-year-old’s death was really caused by COVID-19.
The cause of death will remain counted as Covid-19 due to the quick burial and because no autopsy was performed to verify the cause of death.
“There won’t be an autopsy done on this individual and there are questions whether this is somebody who died of COVID or died with COVID. Unfortunately we won’t get answers to that,” said Dr. Chris Mackie, medical officer of health for the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) in a CTV News article.
He continues in the article saying;
“If you’ve got a situation where COVID could have … contributed to the death, it’s considered to be a COVID-related death and it’s reported in our death counts.”
What we do know:
- Dabeh moved to London, Ont. from Syria in 2016.
- He was working as a contracted cleaner at Middlesex Terrance Nursing Home in Delaware, Ont.
- He and his company was brought in for cleaning after an outbreak effected the regular cleaning staff at the nursing home.
- Dabeh tested positive for COVID-19 in the past four weeks.
- He wouldn’t have still been infectious, but as other media is reporting — it is unclear if Dabeh had underlying health conditions.
- He will remain as London region’s youngest COVID-19-related death.
- His death is tragic and he will be missed dearly by family and friends.
- His family is confirmed to also have tested positive. That includes three children as well as Dabeh’s mother and father.
What we don’t know:
- The exact cause of death — whether it was due to COVID or another means of death is unknown.
- Many on social media are claiming he didn’t die of COVID, but rather died due to an overdose or that he took his own life — those claims are not known to be true or accurate as of yet.
“Deaths associated with COVID-19 of individuals this age is exceptionally rare,” says Summers. “The majority of deaths during the pandemic have occurred in older people. We’ve talked a lot about deaths of people who live in LTC homes, however we now know nothing is impossible,” said Dr. Alex Summers, the MLHU associate medical officer of health in a CTV News article.
In a Toronto Sun article, Summers said: “I’m not able to share any of that, unfortunately,” when asked if there were other factors that many have contributed to the death of Dabeh.
Regardless of the confusion and uncertainty surrounding his death, many have commented on various articles regarding his death on social media, leaving their condolences.
“My deepest condolences to the family and friends for your enormous loss.”
“People should be ashamed of themselves! The people that posted this headline, the people with the disgusting comments. This young man was somebody’s son, brother, grandchild! Mental health is real and this is tragic and unfortunate! Pls for ppl feeling down, not themselves it’s okay to reach out 1-866-933-2023. You will not be judged. Condolences to the friends and family.”
“Does it really matter how this young man passed on..If I was his family reading this I would be pissed, pass your condolences on and move on.”
“My condolences to his family. From the comments I can’t tell if he died from Covid or a drug overdose. Maybe both? But it’s not my business. Either way this is a great loss. May he rest in peace.”
“My condolences but this young man died of a overdose/suicide from my understanding not of covid death it’s disgusting how the media can twist these stories prayers to the family of this young man.”
“Rest in peace, young man. Our hearts go out to Yassin’s family and friends over this tragedy.”
Our condolences go out to Dabeh’s family and friends, we know this is a tragic event for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We wish you strength through these challenging times.
— The Diverge Media Team.
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