Tinley Park 18-Year-Old Dies From COVID-19: Medical Examiner

TINLEY PARK, IL — An 18-year-old from Tinley Park with no known underlying conditions died from COVID-19 on Dec. 26, at the University of Chicago Medical Center, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner.

Sarah Simental was a student at Lincoln-Way East High School and would have graduated in a few months, ABC7 reported. Deborah Simental, Sarah's mother, told ABC7 that Sarah had a headache that later turned into a sore throat and body aches. Deborah said Sarah was taken to the hospital where her condition worsened.

"She called me up crying to say ... 'Mom, I'm going to miss Christmas,'" Deborah told ABC7 in a video interview. "I had to reassure her that it's just a day on the calendar and when she comes home, we'll do Christmas with you. And unfortunately she didn't."

The Simental family told ABC7 they were at Sarah's bedside as she died.

"She said, 'I'm going to be okay, Mom.' And that was the last thing,'"Deborah Simental said in the ABC7 interview.

Sarah is the daughter of Deborah and Donald Simental, sister of Matthew Simental, granddaughter of Lawrence and Karen Gade and Raymond and Betty Simental. She was a niece, cousin and friend to many, and was loved by her furry best friend Bailey.

Visitation is on Wednesday from 3-9 p.m. at Lawn Funeral Home, 7732 W. 159th St. Orland Park. Funeral service and interment are private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to make donations to P.A.W.S of Tinley Park.

Due to COVID-19 guidelines, visitation is limited to 10 people at all times. It is asked to keep your visitation brief to allow all to pay their respects. Masks and social distancing are required.