SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Washington County Coroner Roger Morris has confirmed two deaths related to the coronavirus in the Springdale area.
Morris says the cases are still under investigation.
He was not able to say if the two people died at home or a hospital.
One person died on April 21, and the other on April 22. One victim was a 59-year-old woman, and the other is a 49-year-old man.
The Arkansas Department of Health is reporting 61 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in Washington County, with 544 negative tests.
The 49-year-old man lived in Springdale and was a part of the Marshallese community.
Melisa Laelan with the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese says this is exactly what the community was afraid of.
“Our loss has been, is really a confirmation of what we’ve been worried about all along since we were faced with this COVID-19 issue,” Laelan said.
Laelan says among the Pacific Islanders estimated population of around 14,000 in Northwest Arkansas, the Marshallese community are more prone to chronic diseases.
“Including diabetes and other chronic diseases. Those are questions we really need to dive into, look into and examine them,” Laelan said.
She says the man who died was very active in his church and was loved by everyone who knew him.
Large gatherings and community-oriented events are important to the Marshallese community, making social distancing more difficult.
“When I got the word yesterday that one of our own passed away due to COVID-19 it really was a heavy load on my shoulders personally for many reasons," Laelan said. "One, I know this person and two all those other things you can explain like why does it have to be him.”
Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse said, "This virus is serious and we just all need to continue doing whatever we are doing to abide by those rules.”
Laelan hopes others will continue to social distance and stay home during this time so no other lives will be lost.
“It’s a sad for all of us, the last two days," she said. "I hope the family gets all the support they need and really just condolences to the family and his church family.”
The identities of those who died have not been released to the public.