TINLEY PARK, IL – An 18-year-old from Tinley Park with no known underlying diseases died of COVID-19 on December 26 at the University of Chicago Medical Center, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner.
Sarah Simental was a student at Lincoln-Way East High School and would have graduated in a few months, ABC7 reported. Deborah Simental, Sarah’s mother, told ABC7 that Sarah had a headache that later turned into a sore throat and body aches. Deborah said that Sarah was taken to the hospital where her condition deteriorated.
“She called me crying to say … ‘Mom, I’m going to miss Christmas,'” Deborah told ABC7 in a video interview. “I had to reassure her that it is only one day on the calendar and when she comes back, we will have Christmas with you. And unfortunately she didn’t.”
The Simental family told ABC7 that they were next to Sarah’s bed when she died.
“She said, ‘I’m going to be fine, mom.’ And that was the last thing, ‘”said Deborah Simental in an interview with ABC7.
Sarah is the daughter of Deborah and Donald Simental, sister of Matthew Simental, granddaughter of Lawrence and Karen Gade and Raymond and Betty Simental. She was a niece, cousin and friend to many, and was loved by her furry best friend Bailey.
Visitation is on Wednesday from 3 pm to 9 pm at Lawn Funeral Home, 7732 W. 159th St. Orland Park. The funeral service and burial are private. Instead of flowers, the family asks to donate to PAWS in Tinley Park.
Due to the COVID-19 guidelines, visitation is limited to 10 people at all times. Your visit is requested to be brief to allow everyone to pay tribute. Masks and social distance are necessary.