The grieving family of an 11-year-old boy has shared touching tributes online after the ‘much loved’ schoolboy died soon after catching what appeared to be a ‘routine flu‘.
Mateo Deveraturda, 11, from Napier – a coastal city on New Zealand‘s North Island – showed common flu symptoms.
However by June 10, with his condition worsening, his parents took him to the doctor.
Mateo was immediately transferred to Hastings Hospital before being airlifted to Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland – some 425km away – later that night.
Doctors put Mateo in an induced coma as he suffered multiple organ failures.
In an online appeal, Mateo’s family explained that ‘what began as a routine flu that quickly escalated into a life-threatening situation’.
‘Once a vibrant, energetic child, Mateo’s sudden decline has left his family in shock and heartache,’ they wrote.
‘His parents and two brothers remain by his side, navigating this overwhelming journey with unwavering love and hope.’
Mateo Deveraturda, 11, died after he was rushed to the doctors for what seemed like a ‘routine flu’
However, despite the tireless efforts of the medical team, Mateo’s condition had significantly declined.
On Tuesday, the family explained Mateo was ‘no longer responding to treatment’ and the dialysis was no longer working.
‘After many difficult conversations and with heavy hearts, his doctors, nurses, and family have made the hard decision to let Mateo rest, allowing him to choose when he himself is too tired and ready to leave earth,’ the family wrote.
In a post shared to Facebook on Wednesday, Mateo’s school revealed their ‘much loved’ student had died.
‘It is with deep sadness that we share the news that our much-loved St Joseph student, Mateo, has passed away,’ St Patrick’s School in Napier wrote.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with his whanau at this time. We also hold his little brother, Montiel (in our Angel whanau) especially close in our hearts.
‘As a faith-filled school, we believe in the promise of eternal life and the love of God, even in the midst of our sadness.
‘We ask our community to please pray Mateo’s family, his friends, and all those who loved him.
His dad, Brian Deveraturda, shared a touching tribute for his son who he said ‘fought hard to the very last minute (pictured, Mateo with his parents and two brothers)
‘This is a time to come together, to support one another, and to show compassion. Please reach out if your child or family needs support – we are here for you.’
His father Brian Deveraturda also shared a touching tribute on Facebook, describing his son as fighting ‘hard to the very last minute’.
‘I regret to inform everyone that our son Mateo has left us to be on our Creator’s side,’ Mr Deveraturda wrote.
‘He fought hard to the very last minute, his spirit still wanted to keep fighting but his earthly body has given up.
‘Rest in peace my son, fly high… I love you so much my son and the heaven has gained a new angel.’
Mateo’s older brother Miguel also shared a heartbreaking message, wishing that the two ‘could have grown up together’.
‘I still can’t accept how I was right next to you a couple weeks ago eating dinner/ You were trying hard to use chop sticks to eat your noodles and you were struggling,’ Miguel wrote.
‘I will always remember our last fist bump and hug. Mate, you will always be in my heart, I really wish we could have grown up together.’