Tributes flow for Dakota Conry who suddenly died in her sleep after contracting Covid-19

A 13-month-old girl who unexpectedly died in her sleep has become the youngest Australian to die with Covid-19.

Tributes are flowing for a South Australian girl who suddenly died in her sleep after testing positive to Covid-19.

Dakota Conry, from Adelaide, had contracted the virus before she was put to bed by her parents on December 28.

The youngster unexpectedly died in her sleep at just 13 months old, leaving her parents Karly and Ryan, her twin sister, and two other siblings completely shattered.

It is not yet known what caused Dakota’s death, but she had been infected with Covid-19 at the time, making her the youngest Australian to die with the virus.

Tributes have been pouring in for the young girl since her sudden death, with her aunty saying she was “our favourite twinnie”.

“One week ago today we lost little Dakota. Since then, not a minute has gone by where I don’t think about you and for the rest of time you will always be in my thoughts,” Kirsty Conry wrote on Facebook.

“You were our favourite twinnie, with your sassy facial expressions and love for purple, just like your aunty.”

“Uncle Heath, Olivia and I miss you so much and words can’t express how much we love you!” she added.

In an earlier post, Kirsty called her “our little Kota Bear!”

A GoFundMe set up by family friend Brooke Page wrote “Their darling 13-month-old Dakota grew her wings and went to heaven”.

Dakota Conry died at 13 months old after testing positive to Covid-19. Picture: Go Fund Me

“She went to bed as per normal the night before and unexpectedly passed hours later. Rest peacefully our beautiful Dakota bear.”

Ms Page said the couple were devastated after losing their daughter.

“Those who know Karly and Ryan know their children are their life and have always been patient, loving, attentive and admirable parents,” the fundraiser read.

“Dakota leaves behind her three siblings who all loved and adored her beyond measure.”

Ms Page said the money raised would be used to pay for living expenses as the couple navigate their grief while organising a funeral.

She hopes the money helps the family feel comfortable to grieve.

“Giving them time to mourn for their sudden loss, help them with their life expenses and spend time with their children and loved ones,” the page reads.

The fundraiser has already received more than $26,000 in just 24 hours since it was launched.

Loving messages and generous donations from more than 300 people have been left for the grieving family.

South Australia recorded a record high on Tuesday, with 3246 new cases of Covid-19. Picture: Emma Brasier / NCA NewsWire

Donors left touching messages in Dakota’s memory, some calling her “Kota Bear”.

“Sending all my love to my family,” the 13-month-old’s grandmother wrote.

“Dakota will always be in our hearts and forever missed. She is now being looked after by our other angels.”

One woman wrote: “Forever young, forever loved, rest easy beautiful girl.”

“We are so deeply sorry to hear about your dear little Dakota, such unimaginable shock, sadness and grief; we are thinking of you all and sending love,” another said.

South Australia recorded a record high on Tuesday, with 3246 new cases of Covid-19.

The latest figures were announced by Premier Steven Marshall on Tuesday morning.

There were 102 people in hospital, 12 in intensive care and one on a ventilator.

Originally published as Tributes flow for Dakota Conry who suddenly died in her sleep after contracting Covid-19