Family of Frank Ferraro, who has become SA’s first coronavirus fatality, releases statement
The family of Frank Ferraro, 75, who has become SA’s first COVID-19 fatality, has released a heartbreaking statement.
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For Francesco Ferraro, there was one thing above all else he loved – his family.
The retired plasterer, 75, universally known as Frank, doted on his eight grandchildren, adored his three adult children and loved his wife.
But his devastated family are mourning Mr Ferraro after he became the first South Australian to die from contracting coronavirus.
As the Premier and the state’s top public health doctor paid emotional tributes, his family expressed their “deep sadness”.
They also implored the public to “abide by and comply with all the advice and directions” given by authorities in the fight to stop the disease spreading.
Mr Ferraro, a highly respected labourer and well-known soccer fan, whom friends described as a “gentleman”, contracted COVID-19 after returning from a large family wedding in Melbourne on March 14. At least 13 guests had flown in from Italy, a virus hot spot.
The family returned to Adelaide two days before border restrictions were imposed and Mr Ferraro fell ill several days later.
He was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital more than a fortnight ago and was one of the state’s first intensive-care patients.
Mr Ferraro, who had some underlying health issues, lost his battle just after 9pm on Monday night “despite the best efforts of the medical professionals and staff and the love and support of his family”, his relatives said.
Another eight patients, between 52 and 77, were last night fighting for life while 89 people have recovered.
Mr Ferraro’s wife of 51 years and children were being comforted by friends and family at his large Campbelltown home, in Adelaide’s north-east, and were too distressed to speak publicly.
In a statement issued through SA Health, the family paid tribute to the “loving husband, father to three children and grandfather to eight” as they rejected any suggestions he was at fault.
“It is with deep sadness that our family announces (his) passing,” they said.
“Soon after returning from an interstate family event … he felt unwell and learnt he had contracted the COVID-19 virus.
“He was soon admitted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital where his condition deteriorated. Despite the best efforts of the medical professionals and staff and the love and support of his family, he passed away.
“(His) interactions which caused the spread of the virus were nothing outside what a family or group of friends would experience.
“The family would like to take this opportunity to implore all South Australians to abide by and comply with all the advice and directions given by the government and police.”
A sombre Premier Steven Marshall, who wrote to the family yesterday after learning of their loss on Monday night, expressed the state’s “sincere condolences”.
“(It) is a very sad day for people of our state as we record the first death which is directly related to the coronavirus,” he said. “My heart goes out to the family and friends of the man who suffered from this disease.
“I think in many ways this just underscores for people of South Australia, how devastating this virus is. It is a very sad day for our state.”
Chief Public Health Officer Dr Nicola Spurrier paid tribute to Mr Ferraro and thanked tireless ICU medicos.
“He is part of a large family so a very much beloved father, husband … and grandfather as well,” she said.
“But, for any of you who have lost a loved one … I think you will join with me in appreciating really how significant this is. It is not just a statistic, it is a person who has been a real integral part of the family.”
She also paid tribute to RAH ICU staff who fought to save the man’s life and “did the best they could do”.
“This is obviously very difficult for them, they have got other patients still admitted to intensive care. And we do provide a very, very high level of care,” she said.
“But unfortunately this virus is very, very serious and can result in loss of life, particularly when people are older and … when there are other health problems.
“It has been challenging for our staff because of the infectious nature of COVID-19. So the sorts of things they can do, for example put an arm around somebody or a relative or supporting their team. Things can’t be done in the same way which they normally would.”
There are also grave fears for a Riverland grandfather who is fighting for life in intensive care. His family have been told to expect the worst.
SA Health on Tuesday recorded four COVID-19 cases, taking the SA total to 415, one of which is feared to be community transmission.