"Not a number": Friends mourn shock death of young COVID victim
A woman in her 30s who died from COVID-19 in Sydney over the weekend has been identified as Adriana Takara, a Brazilian national and resident of Sydney’s CBD.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the death of the 38-year-old on Sunday, extending her condolences to the woman’s family.
“I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to those families, the loved ones who are grieving today,” she said.
She died at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney’s inner west on Saturday night.
Ms Berejiklian also confirmed that Ms Takara has no known pre-existing illnesses.
Shocked friends have since paid tribute to the accounting student.
Marlene Coimbra, who knew Ms Takara, said she was “mortified” by the news while speaking to The Daily Telegraph.
“The virus debilitated her very, very quickly. It’s shocking,” she said.
“She was healthy, happy, working; she had a boyfriend. It’s shocking.”
In a Facebook post, Ms Coimbra wrote that she was grieving “the loss of not a number but a sister and a friend”.
“Adrianna is a daughter, sister, aunty, nice and specially [sic] a friend. An amazing friend, not only my friend but friend of so many people,” she said.
“Tonight when you look at the sky, it will be brighter and the shiniest star will be my friend is peace away of all this madness [six].
“I can’t thank enough all the doctors for doing their best.”
A migration agent who also knew Ms Takara told The Sydney Morning Herald “all goodbyes were said via Zoom to audiences in Australia and Brazil”.
The death of a woman in 70s from south-west Sydney was also announced on Sunday.
Ms Berejiklian said Ms Takara’s death highlighted the dangers COVID-19 posed even to young and healthy people.
“If anybody thinks this is a disease just affecting older people, please think again,” she said.
“Again, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to those families, their loved ones who are grieving today, but please note that younger people without pre-existing conditions can also fall victim to this cruel disease.”
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