3 members of California family reportedly die of COVID-19 in as many weeks

Three members of a Southern California family died of COVID-19 in as many weeks, according to a new report. 

Fabian Levario, 53, who went by the nickname Chino, never revealed how sick he was until he had to go to the hospital on Nov. 23, his daughter, Valerie Levario, told KABC.

“It was hard for him to breathe,” Valerie told the network. “It was hard for him to talk.” 

Chino, who underwent a kidney transplant 16 years ago, died two weeks later, his daughter said. 

He was a freelance handyman who also played in a Long Beach band for 20 years, according to Valerie, who said he was passionate about playing music and spending time with his family. 

As she planned the funeral, Chino’s sister, Deborah, fell ill with pneumonia, according to the report. 

“I had my grandma call 911 to take her to the hospital just in case,” Valerie told the network.

A blood test found that Deborah had COVID antibodies, which indicated that she too had been infected, according to Valerie. She later died. 

And six days later, Deborah’s husband, Armando Padilla, also died of the virus. He had no underlying health issues, according to Valerie. 

Deborah and Armando left behind an 8-year-old son, Armando Jr. He is now being cared for by his grandmother. 

Valerie said she’s struggling to cope with the three losses. It’s unclear how the family — who did not gather and always wore masks — became infected. 

“It’s very shocking and still trying to process it, and still trying to understand why,” she said. 

Now, Valerie is encouraging everyone to take the virus seriously and wear masks.

“Don’t be selfish,” she said. “People are dying from this and it’s not fair.”