State confirms Victoria Sousa had H1N1 virus
BRISTOL — The sudden death of a healthy, athletic seventh-grade Bristol girl has plunged her community into mourning and heightened worries among families already on edge over the flu.
Victoria Sousa, 12, the daughter of Louis and Cathy Sousa of Hope Street, passed away midday Monday with family at her side. She was an excellent student and three-sport athlete at St. Philomena School in Portsmouth, in 2006 had won the title of Little Miss Fourth of July in Bristol, and loved going on sailing adventures with her family. She leaves two older sisters, Marguerite and Emily.
At a late Wednesday afternoon press conference, the state Department of Health (DOH) confirmed that Victoria had indeed contracted H1N1 (swine flu). DOH spokeswoman Annemarie Beardsworth said that while the disease can manifest itself in various ways, its rapid progress in Victoria’s case is not unheard of.
Most people for whom H1N1 becomes severe have underlying medical conditions, she said. “That was not the case with Victoria.” She added that the tragedy emphasizes the importance of families taking advantage of H1N1 vaccine clinics that will be starting shortly.
At the press conference, Gov. Don Carcieri and health department Director Dr. David Gifford announced that Victoria was the fourth person in Rhode Island to die with H1N1 in 2009. The previous three were in the spring and all had underlying conditions. She is the first to die this fall and the first to not have any underlying conditions.
To the Sousa Family,
Please know that the families of Bristol and Warren have you in our prayers. May you realize that your burden is shared upon the shoulders of our community.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Sousa family. May the love of friends and family support them through this time and may they find peace.
My prayers are with the Sousa family. I cannot imagine their grief or sadness and just want them to know the whole community is hurting and feeling their loss. Please look to God for strength during this time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sousa Family throughout this heartbreaking loss. We wish you the best to get through the many hurdles ahead. Our community feels the loss of such an energetic young woman, as we comprehend it could be one of our own. I hope you seek answers and find peace within your family in the days to come. God Bless.
Dear Sousas,
Sincere condolences to you in your time of grief. May your hearts be comforted that Victoria is now with Lord Jesus, free of pain.
You are in my family's thoughts & prayers.
Cathy & Lou--I can't even begin to express my sorrow at Victoria's death; I know your terrible grief seems like it will never end, but it will become less painful in time. Hang in. Love, Jack
Dear Cathy and Louis,
Our sincerest condolences to you and your family in this time of grief. This horrific virus has attacked so many children, it is so hard to believe that a healthy young athlete would lose her life to this virus. There is no greater pain for a parent than to lose a child. May God bring you strength and comfort during this time of grief. Know that Victoria is with you always. We will have a Mass said for Victoria, you and your family here in NH. May God Bless You.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sousa Family
No words can express the sincere sorrow I feel for your family. Your daughter was beautiful. My deepest sympathy to you all during this sad time.....
So sad. I can't begin to know how the Sousa Family feels. I hope they can find peace and that their little girl, Victoria, will Rest In Peace.
