Coronavirus CT: Waterbury Student Dies

WATERBURY, CT — An 18 year-old Waterbury Arts Magnet School student died after battling the new coronavirus.

Yasmin Pena, a senior, first became ill in late February and was hospitalized with difficulty breathing, according to the Republican-American. Her health took a sudden turn for the worst on Easter Sunday and she died. She had also battled lupus.

Students and staff at Pena's school described her as sweet, shy and caring, according to the Republican-American. She was involved in theater and the arts.

The Waterbury Arts Magnet School issued a statement on Pena's death.

"Yasmin was very involved in Theater and the performing arts," the statement reads. "She always had a smile on her face and was always laughing. Her teachers describe her as kind, sweet and an amazing young lady. She will be missed deeply. The WAMS staff and students send heartfelt condolences to her family."

Pena planned to follow her sister, Madeline, to Naugatuck Valley Community College upon graduating. Pena was resting at home in early March but by mid-month the symptoms grew worse and she was hospitalized and placed on a ventilator, the Republican-American reported.

Her family was not able to say goodbye due to restrictions on visitors and their last contact with her was through FaceTime, according to the Republican-American.

People expressed grief over Pena's death on the school's Facebook page.

Glorie Marryatt Romaniello wrote, "My family’s condolences to our extended family members of WAMS and everyone whose life was touched by Yasmin."

Tierra Lynn wrote, "I give my deepest condolences to the family, Yazmin was a kindhearted person who believed the benefit of the doubt. She was a role model to me I looked up to her. She will never be forgotten."

And Debbie A. Benjamin wrote, "She was the kindest and sweetest student. She loved her business classes and working in the school store. My heart is broken. May she Rest In Peace."