Covid Qld: State’s youngest victim named as Ruby Grace Edwards, just weeks before second birthday

Queensland’s youngest Covid-19 victim died on Sunday just days before the birth of her brother, it can be revealed, as her devastated parents say the death of their “beautiful baby girl” feels like “it’s not really happening to us”.

The parents of “beautiful little Ruby” have revealed their “world is falling apart” following the death of their toddler to Covid on Sunday, as they prepare to welcome their son on Friday.

Ruby Grace Edwards tested positive for Covid on July 14, which triggered a neurological disease Acute Hemorrhagic Leukoencephalitis (AHLE), a very aggressive disease that causes an intense attack of inflammation in the brain & spinal cord that damages the myelin.

Her dad, Steven Edwards, took to social media on Monday to share the tragic news that their “beautiful baby girl, Ruby Grace Edwards grew her angel wings and passed away peacefully yesterday, 24/07/2022 at 4:21pm just two weeks before her 2nd birthday, surrounded by her family.”

Mr Edwards told The Courier-Mail the family is “still in shock and disbelief, like it’s not really happening to us”.

“This happens to other people – I don’t want to propagate fear but maybe caution and a reminder to cherish those you love because you just don’t know when it can all be taken away from you.”

Ruby’s dad Steven Edwards took to social media on Monday to share the tragic news that their “beautiful baby girl, Ruby Grace Edwards grew her angel wings and passed away peacefully yesterday on July 24. Picture supplied by family

He said Ruby “became suddenly unwell, eventually testing positive for Covid”.

“This triggered a rare auto-immune condition, where her immune system, while trying to fight the virus, also attacked her brain, affecting her vital functions,

“She fought long and hard but unfortunately, the condition was too aggressive, ruthless and relentless.

“Thanks to her treatment, we don’t believe she suffered any pain during her fight and was able to leave this world peacefully.”

He said Ruby was a “gentle soul” who “loved her cuddles and was adored by all that were fortunate enough to meet her”.

“Ruby had the most beautiful long eyelashes, infectious smile and stunning hair colour,” he said.

“She was very clever and had so much potential. Everyone would always comment on how advanced her speech was for her age,

“It’s a shame that her full potential will never be realised and the world has been deprived of such a special gift.”

Mr Edwards acknowledged the “hard working medical team of experts at both Logan Hospital and Queensland Children’s hospitals” who “did their very best”.

Ruby Grace Edwards being treated in hospital after Covid-19 triggered a neurological disease Acute Hemorrhagic Leukoencephalitis (AHLE), a very aggressive disease that causes an intense attack of inflammation in the brain & spinal cord that damages the myelin. Picture: Supplied

“It feels like the world is falling apart for us right now, as we prepare for the arrival of our son this Friday, 29/07/2022,” he said.

“This is supposed to be such a happy time where our family would become complete but is now so broken,” he wrote.

“We are all hurting, we are all in pain, please be kind and be there for each other and cherish Ruby’s memory and the joy she brought to all of our lives.

Ruby Grace Edwards with her parents Krystal and Steven. Picture: Supplied

“If you have children of your own, please hug them a little bit tighter tonight. I am not sure how but we need to navigate this grief as best we can,

“All Krystal and I know right now is that we need to be strong as we embrace our arriving son. He will need us and we will need him. However, we need to accept that it is okay to not be strong at times and reach out for help, something I am not normally accustomed to doing.”

“I am currently dealing with Covid and sleep deprivation, and feel like there is so much more I want to say but my mind is racing everywhere between deep sadness, anger, disbelief, denial, guilt, shame, regret, etc. I only have to hope there is another side, where this means something, where there is hope, where there is happiness and peace. I want to get there so desperately, I want to shield our son from this, I want him to only know of love and joy.”

A GoFundMe for “Beautiful Little Ruby”, created by Sarah Watton has raised more than $9000.

Ruby Grace Edwards has been named as the young child who died of Covid-19 at Brisbane Children's hospital. Picture: Supplied

“My gorgeous friend Krystal & her husband Steven had to say their final goodbyes to their beautiful little (almost 2yr old) girl Ruby on 24/07/22,” the GoFundMe read.

“What makes this incredibly tough time even more challenging is that Krystal & Steven are expecting the arrival of their son on 29/07/22. What a mix of emotions for anyone to try to deal with.”

“Ruby was only in this world for a short time. However, she made the most of every second. such a loving, caring little girl, always smiling. She touched the hearts of everyone she met & will be sadly missed by everyone who met her.”

“I know there are no words to comfort Ruby’s mum & dad right now as they try their best to navigate through this incredibly tough time so I was hoping to try & help them financially.”