7-year old child tragically dies of H1N1

FONTANA -- A West Heritage Elementary School student has died due to complications from the H1N1 flu.

Joey Holt, 7, of Fontana died Nov. 5 at San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland. 

An autopsy released Monday by the San Bernardino County Coroner's Department to his parents indicated he had acquired the virus, the boy's mother Jessica Holt said.

Joey had been sent home from school on Nov. 2 with a fever, but it went away the next day, Jessica Holt said.

"But by that Wednesday morning, he woke up pale, lethargic and wasn't himself," she said.

Jessica Holt took her son on Nov. 4 to their peditrician and the boy came home later that day. 

Jessica Holt said her son's health took a turn for the worse at 7:45 a.m. Nov. 5.

"That's when I called the ambulance and that's where it ended," she said. "I'm just in so much shock ... my baby is gone."

Jessica Holt said her son had an underlying health condition -- asthma -- and was also a pre-mature baby. He also had not received the flu shot.

Etiwanda School District officials will send a letter to parents on Nov. 18 to inform them a "student with underlying conditions did tragically pass away," Superintendent Shawn Judson said.

Jessica Holt is starting a nonprofit -- the Joey Holt Foundation -- to improve awareness about H1N1. She will have a dine-out fundraiser from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 18 at Corky's Diner, 6403 Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga.

Money raised at the event will go toward the foundation and families who cannot afford the vaccination. 

"Joey wanted to be a doctor and wanted to help everybody, and if I can save one child in his honor that will make my heart warm," Jessica Holt said.

California health officials said there have been almost 300 deaths attributed to swine flu in the state. 

If you're interested in donating to the Joey Holt Foundation or if you want to send your wishes:

POBOX 547 

Rancho Cucamonga, CA. 91729

Information: (909) 899-5955.