Man Dies The Day After Saying He 'Regretted' Going To End Of Lockdown Party

An American man who attended a party to celebrate lockdown ended died just a day after posting about regretting his decision on social media.

Thomas Macias, a 51-year-old from California, had been at the same party as an asymptomatic carrier of Covid-19, and tested positive on 18 June.

He posted about it on social media two days later and was put on a life support machine on 21 June. He died the same day.

Facebook

His tragic Facebook post read: "Some of you know, but most don't. I f***ed up and went out a couple of weeks ago and I contracted the coronavirus."

It continued: "Because of my stupidity I put my mom and sisters and my family's health in jeopardy. This has been a very painful experience.

"This is no joke. If you have to go out wear a mask and practice social distancing.

"Don't be a ******* idiot like me."

He thanked his loved ones for being there for him, before signing off: "Love you all."

His brother-in-law, Gus Lopez, told CBS News that the family don't think they caught coronavirus from him, with one of them having a negative test back.

But Lopez told of Macias' guilt that he had jeopardised his family's health.

He told the news outlet: "At first, from what he told us, he was upset at this person that went out knowing that he had this virus. Then he said that quickly turned into anger at himself for having put himself in that situation to begin with."

Lopez added: "He had so many friends that he wanted to make sure they all knew what he was going through, and that they could avoid it.

Gus Lopez

"He had diabetes, so he was doing everything he could to stay isolated. He would wear his mask if he had to go out.

"Then when he heard restrictions were being lifted, things were becoming more lenient, a friend of his put together a barbecue. So he said, 'Okay, this is my chance to see my friends.'"

Lopez hopes that sharing Macias' story will help others to realise how serious the disease is.

He explained: "This kills people. People should follow the guidelines that are out there - not because the government is asking us to, but because the doctors and the experts, people who really know what they're talking about, are saying it.

"He would be extremely happy right now knowing that what happened to him could potentially help other people from getting sick or dying."

Topics: Coronavirus, US News

Amelia Ward

Amelia is a journalist at LADbible. After studying journalism at Liverpool John Moores and Salford Uni (don't ask), she went into PR and then the world of music. After a few years working on festivals and events, she went back to her roots. In her spare time, Amelia likes music, Liverpool FC, and spending good, quality time with her cat, Paul. You can contact Amelia at [email protected].

@ameliasward