Family will tell you that Braden Wilson, a sophomore at Santa Susana High School in Simi Valley who deals with theater, video production, and choir, knew from an early age what it meant to be friendly.
His aunt, Heather Brassil, described him as “just a good, sweet, real boy”.
Braden was diagnosed with COVID-19 only two weeks ago.
“He developed organ failure,” Brassil said in an interview with ABC7, adding that her cousin had been careful during the pandemic.
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It wasn’t until Braden developed complications from unrelated surgery that he ended up in and out of hospitals and eventually tested positive for the virus.
Just days after he was transferred to children’s hospital in Los Angeles, Braden died last week.
His family was told the cause was multisystem inflammation syndrome in children, or MIS-C, a rare pediatric complication resulting from COVID-19.
“It’s very shocking to see how they decided to get him,” Brassil said.
Braden was an only child. In addition to the heartbreaking loss, his mother is now also recovering from COVID-19.
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“She’s not doing well emotionally,” said Brassil, “and that’s why I’m talking to you. She wouldn’t be able to keep her cool. ‘
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been fewer than 17,000 MIS-C cases nationwide and only 26 resulting in death.
Still, Braden’s aunt wants people to know that it can happen to anyone.
‘It’s very real. It should make people think, ”she said,“ to be considerate of others, even though it may be inconvenient to follow security practices.
“But if it can help save someone’s life, I think it’s worth it.”
The family has set up a GoFundMe account for Braden’s memorial service and medical expenses. Visit to help www.gofundme.com/f/braden-wilson-memorial-services.
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