CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) - A South Bay family is mourning the loss of a beloved grandfather after a long battle with COVID-19.
Salvador Munoz first started feeling sick in early August, developing a cough and fever, and then testing positive for COVID-19.
About 10 days later, an ambulance rushed him to a hospital.
"He became disoriented, tired and couldn't get out of bed. When he talked to the paramedics, he couldn't really speak because he was short on his breath," said daughter-in-law Venessa Munoz.
Venessa and his wife Bertha say he was admitted, and a week later, placed on a ventilator.
"He had complications and then would get better again. Just an emotional roller coaster for everybody," said Venessa.
Salvador developed complications with his kidneys and then his heart. After 45 days in the ICU, Salvador Munoz, a father of five, and grandfather of seven, passed away at the age of 68.
"It's just so hard, so hard. I am relieved to know he is not suffering," said Bertha.
Loved ones say Salvador, who owned his own cleaning business, was energetic, funny and joyful.
"Always the first one dancing. He lived to put smiles on everybody's faces," said Venessa.
Bertha tell us she was with Salvador for more than 50 years and never spent a day apart.
"He was always a loving, caring, respectful man ... He's an angel," said Bertha
Bertha isn't sure how he contracted the virus. They rarely went out and wore masks.
"This is a serious thing, so take of yourself. Don’t take it for granted that nothing is going to happen to you, because it could," said Bertha.
Bertha got sick around the same time her husband developed symptoms. Her symptoms lasted about two weeks.
A Gofundme campaign has been set up to help the family with expenses.
