Funeral for 7-year-old VA boy who died after contracting flu Saturday

HURT, VA (WWBT) - This weekend, family and friends will come together to say goodbye to a 7-year-old Virginia boy, who died after getting the flu.

Kevin Baynes Jr died less than 48 hours after getting sick at school. The medical examiner is still working to confirm the exact cause of death, but the hospital where he died believes the flu was a factor.

His memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday at Spring Road Baptist Church in Gretna.

Baynes is from Hurt, which is about 30 miles south of Lynchburg, and died Jan. 28 after testing positive for the flu and strep throat.

"I got up this morning, made some coffee, sat on the couch and just lost it again," said Kevin Baynes.

The first grader was sent home from school after throwing up and falling asleep in class that Friday. Saturday morning, his symptoms got worse and the boy's mother rushed him to the hospital.

"They said he had the flu and strep throat. They sent him home with amoxycilin and zofran," said Baynes.

Not even a full 24-hours later, Kevin's older sister found him cold and lifeless. The family tried CPR and the hospital worked to revive him, but it was too late. Kevin Jr. was gone.

The possible culprit? The flu virus.

The Baynes family is working to stay strong, as they plan to bury their child. A 7-year-old who loved to play outside, adored his three siblings and whose favorite game was Minecraft.

Family and friends have set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the funeral costs.

In addition to his parents, Kevin is survived by three other siblings.

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