A 30-year-old father from New Jersey died from COVID-19 after being discharged from hospital.
Ben Luderer, a high school baseball coach, went to hospital on March 27 and was placed on oxygen. He was later discharged from hospital as he appeared to show signs of recovery.
Cliffside Park School District said in a statement to the community: “It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of Mr. Ben Luderer, a teacher in School No. 6 and our varsity baseball coach. Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to Mrs. Luderer, her family members, friends, and the entire Cliffside Park community.
“The Board of Education and the Administration want to extend our care and support to the Luderer family and to our community during this time. Our Administration and Counselors are available to support you and your children with any assistance you may need.”
The 30-year-old’s college baseball team, Marist Red Foxes, paid tribute to Ben on Twitter. “Saddened with the news of former student-athlete Ben Luderer’s passing. He was tough, smart & a great teammate. Went on to be a love teacher & coach! We pray for Ben’s wife and family!”
In an interview with BuzzFeed News, Greg Butler, Ben’s own high school baseball coach, said of Luderer’s team: “That team was invincible. The reason they were champions was because of the attitude Ben and so many others. He really embodied that spirit.”
He added: “The irony of the whole situation here is the team that was invincible can be defeated with this invisible virus that’s out there.”
Ben’s wife, Brandy, explained that she tested positive for coronavirus on March 19. Three days later, her husband started developing symptoms.
Ben was briefly put on oxygen on March 27 but was later discharged as he appeared to show signs of recovery. But that evening, he told Brandy that he was struggling.
“I went back to see what I could do. I tried as much as I could. He was sweating through his clothes. He was scared,” Brandy said to BuzzFeed News. The next morning, Ben passed away.
Ben’s father, Bill Luderer, told ABC7 NY: “Ben is a gift that was given to us that we were happy and privileged to have had for 30 years.
“He was a wonderful person and connected with everybody that he knew. He had a great sense of humor, he was kind of sarcastic at times, but he was loving and caring.”
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