In what serves as a somber reminder that the pandemic is not over—especially for the unvaccinated—a family from Georgia is grieving the loss of their vibrant 5-year-old son, Ethan Collins.
Ethan tragically passed away on July 16 in a hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he was being treated for COVID-19. His condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to intubation as he struggled to breathe. Initially, his family believed he had a minor stomach illness, but his health quickly declined.
“There are no words to express this loss. He was my ‘everyday joy,’” Ethan’s mother, Laura Collins, shared on social media. “Ethan was nothing but love and brought immense happiness to our lives. I see you everywhere, little buddy, and I still feel your spirit guiding me. Thank you for the five beautiful rainbows you sent our way—they were such a comfort.”
His father, Mark Collins, also posted a heartfelt tribute, sharing cherished memories. “Ethan was a beacon of joy. We loved our adventures together. He adored his mom and sister deeply, always looking for ways to lend a hand.”
Ethan’s godmother, Sarah Richards, fondly described him as “the most loving and cheerful child.” “He was so eager to help and the best big brother,” she recalled.
The Collins family resides in a Georgia community represented by a political figure who has publicly opposed mask mandates and vaccination efforts. This has raised concerns among many as the delta variant of COVID-19 accounts for approximately 80% of new infections in the U.S. This variant is proving to be more contagious and is affecting children more severely than earlier strains, leading to an increase in pediatric cases.
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