Houston doctor dies of COVID-19: 'She could make any moment feel special'

Monday, September 21, 2020

Houston doctor dies of COVID-19 after ER rotation

According to her family, the young doctor, who was commonly described as "bubbly" and "full of life," tragically lost her battle to COVID-19 in her parent's arms. How did she go from flu-like symptoms to a hospital stay? ABC13's Steve Campion explains.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A Houston doctor who was diagnosed with COVID-19 this summer has died, according to her family.

Dr. Adeline Fagan, 28, was starting her second year of residency in Houston as an OB/GYN when she got sick in July.

According to a GoFundMe page created by her family, Fagan was mostly at the hospital delivering babies, but was doing a rotation in the ER and treating COVID-19 patients.

"That morning, she went into work feeling well and excited to see patients, but by the evening she began to feel under the weather," read the description on the GoFundMe page. "What started as intense flu-like symptoms escalated within the week to a hospital stay."

Fagan was treated with several different respiratory therapies and drugs. She then decided to begin an experimental drug, according to her family.

WATCH: Sisters heartbroken after Houston doctor dies of COVID-19

In the video above, ABC News spoke with the sisters of Dr. Adeline Fagan, who said they never expected their beloved sibling's loss. Plus, does the pandemic make them wish their sister never became a health care worker at all? Hit play for the heartbreaking one-on-one interview.

Fagan experienced complications and was hooked up to oxygen machines for weeks.

"Before we could see if this new drug was effective, her lungs could no longer support her," said her family.

Fagan's family says they're unclear when and where she was exposed to the virus.

Fagan is originally from Syracuse, New York. On Monday, HCA Healthcare West confirmed Fagan was a resident at HCA Healthcare West in west Houston.

"We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Dr. Adeline Fagan," said HCA Healthcare in a statement. "Our hearts go out to her loved ones, friends and colleagues. Dr. Fagan touched so many lives and will always be remembered for her happiness and beautiful smile, as well as her dedication to moms and babies."

You can visit her GoFundMe page to help her family with funeral costs.

As of Sunday afternoon, the CDC has reported 697 health care workers have died from COVID-19.

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