LAKELAND -- A 24-year-old Polk County high school teacher has died from complications after catching COVID-19.
Auburndale High School has posted condolences on its Facebook page for D'Anthony Dorsey The marine biology teacher got sick during the first week of school, and was turned away from the hospital twice. Lakeland Regional Hospital admitted him when his symptoms worsened, according to his mother Lydia, who spoke to News Channel 8. She doesn't know whether Dorsey was vaccinated.
Dorsey was on a ventilator for the past three weeks.
Lydia Dorsey is urging parents to send their children to school with face masks.
Principal Tye Bruno said that Dorsey, although early in his career, "possessed all the traits necessary to become a superb educator," saying he loved his students and wanted to give them a lifelong love of learning. In a statement, he described Dorsey as a "gentle giant" whose calm and caring presence was appreciated by everyone on campus.
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