A 14-year-old girl from Michigan, Ava Thompson, who had a troubling encounter with police as a child, succumbed to complications from COVID-19 shortly after being diagnosed on her birthday. Three years prior, when Ava was just 11, she was handcuffed by officers in Grand Rapids while trying to leave her home with her mother to run an errand. The police were searching for a relative suspected in a local incident, but their aggressive approach left a lasting impact on Ava and prompted calls for reforms in police interactions with minors.
Following her COVID-19 diagnosis on November 9, Ava was first admitted to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital but was later moved to the ICU. Her grandmother, Linda Johnson, shared the heartbreaking news on a fundraiser page, expressing her sorrow over losing her vibrant and intelligent granddaughter. Ava’s condition deteriorated rapidly, and she passed away on November 22.
The police incident in 2017, where Ava was handcuffed and distressed, drew significant media attention and led to the implementation of the “Ava Policy,” designed to guide officers on how to appropriately engage with children during such situations. Despite the public outcry, no disciplinary action was taken against the officers involved.
Before her illness, Ava was reported to be healthy and free of underlying conditions. Her grandmother reflected on the potential Ava had, stating, “She could have been a leader or made a difference in the world.” This tragic case highlights the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on minority children, as noted by the CDC, which indicates that Black and Hispanic children face higher hospitalization rates than their white peers.
In light of Ava’s story, it’s essential to remember the broader implications of the pandemic on children and the need for community support. For more insights on family health and safety during these challenging times, you might find our other blog post on home insemination helpful. Resources like the CDC provide further information on health topics relevant to family planning and pregnancy.
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In summary, Ava Thompson’s untimely death from COVID-19 at just 14 highlights the ongoing struggles many families face amid this pandemic and the need for continued advocacy in both public health and police reform. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges that children disproportionately encounter during these unprecedented times.