West Seattle man loses mom, sisters to COVID-19

SEATTLE — A West Seattle man is grieving the deaths of his mother and sisters who died of COVID-19. They lived together in a home in Everett. The virus spread quickly from one loved one to another.

Raymond Lee says his sister Regina Lim Lee, 58, died on March 16. He says she worked at Costco Travel.

Within the next 13 days, his mother, Susie Chin Lee, 82, died. His sister, Willa Lee, 60, who worked at a biomedical firm, died last.

Lee was unable to visit them in the hospital and unable to say goodbye.

“I’m still numb from the loss of my family,” said Raymond Lee on Tuesday, “I want to tell people out in the world that COVID is real, and it has taken many many lives.”

On Tuesday, the COVID death toll reached 200,000 in the country. Federal health officials reminded people to wear masks, socially distance, wash their hands and not gather in crowds.

Lee hopes people will take the virus seriously and protect themselves and each other.

“It is quite real, and for the people who don’t believe, unfortunately, they should believe it, it is quite real. Fortunately, it hasn’t hit them yet, but when it does, they will feel very sorry for themselves.”

He is struggling with grief.

“There’s a huge hole in my chest. That’s how I feel right now. I walk around every day feeling empty,” said Lee.

Lee and his wife have suffered loss before. Their daughter, Tiana, died three years ago after battling with depression.

Lee could not have a funeral for his mom and sisters. He is waiting until it is safe to gather, and loved ones are able to come from out of town.

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Cox Media Group