Mom Seeks Answers In Wheeling Student's Death: Report

WHEELING, IL — The mother of a Wheeling High School sophomore who died after reportedly contracting the coronavirus is seeking answers about what exactly her son's death, according to a report from NBC Chicago. Julie Leviton, son of 16-year-old Zach Leviton, said her son was not feeling well for a couple of weeks and complained of light-headedness and low energy, according to the report.

Although she called a doctor, Leviton had told NBC Chicago that there was no concern of coronavirus since he didn't have a fever, cough or shortness of breath.

But on April 13, Leviton said her son's left arm felt limp and he was unable to take a drink of water. He was transported to Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview and later Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, according to the report. His conditions worsened to the point that he had to be put on a ventilator and doctors notified Leviton that her son appeared to be in the early stages of the coronavirus despite testing negative, the report said. Leviton died that day.

Although autopsy results could be months away, Leviton said she hopes it can be determined how her son died, according to the report.

The Zach Leviton Memorial Fundraiser has been set up to possibly build a bench at his favorite basketball court or park and a bench at his grave site. As of Tuesday, the page had raised over $5,500 of a $7,000 goal.

Wheeling High School is part of High School District 214. On Saturday, D-214 Superintendent David Schuler announced a student's passing likely due to the coronavirus, as well as another student who is in the intensive care unit due to the coronavirus, in a letter to district parents Saturday.

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