The village of Oak Park has announced April 2 that a resident who previously tested positive for COVID-19 has died, likely becoming the village’s first COVID-19-related fatality.
According to the village’s news release, the resident who died was a man in his 60s. The Cook County Medical Examiner will determine the final cause of death.
The news release stated, “[Oak Park Public Health] Director [Mike] Charley acknowledged that although a death was not unanticipated, it remained difficult news for Oak Park Public Health staff as they considered what the individual’s friends and family likely were going through.”
Also within the news release, Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb called on the Oak Park community to “keep this man and his family in our thoughts and prayers” and to remain “vigilant in being safe,” to have faith and stay united.
In addition to the first probable COVID-19-related death in Oak Park, the village’s news release stated that the Illinois Public Health Department has reported an additional six Oak Park residents have received positive COVID-19 test results.
As of April 2, the village has a total of 52 confirmed cases. The newest six range in age from their 20s to 60s.
The village did not release further information regarding the fatality or the new cases due to privacy laws.
The news release bulletin stated, “Anyone who has had close, direct contact with any individual who tests positive for COVID-19 is notified by the local public health authority as part of standard patient tracking and case follow-up procedures.”
