12-Year-Old Milford Boy Dies From Flu-Related Illness

MILFORD (CBS) – A 12-year-old boy from Milford has died from a flu-related illness. The boy was a student at the Stacy Middle School.

"He was a beloved member of our school community," said Superintendent Kevin McIntyre. "Our faculty, students, and families are grieving their student, classmate, and friend."

The boy's mother tells WBZ he got his flu shot this year, but still got sick. He stayed home from school for multiple days until he developed a bacterial infection and was rushed to the Emergency Room Wednesday night, where he died.

"One of the most dangerous complications of the flu is bacterial pneumonia and that is what sometimes ends up landing people in the hospital and can be deadly," Dr. Mallika Marshall said.

Milford Selectman Chair Mike Walsh said the town is in mourning. "And I'll tell you right now, the Milford Community is hurting. It's hurting," Walsh said. "We are very, very sad for your loss and we truly, truly, feel your pain."

The superintendent says the school is focused on supporting teachers and students as they learn the difficult news of losing a student and classmate.

This is the first flu-related death of the season according the Mass. Department of Health.