SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A local musician is facing a painful COVID-19 toll, losing three family members and five friends to the virus.
David Whitman's first loss to COVID-19 came in late April with the passing of Jeanne Fisher, his great-aunt.
"Went downhill fairly quickly and passed away at a nursing home in the Chicago area," said Whitman.
In early June, his grandmother Beverly Whitman, 92, became sick at a nursing home in Wisconsin. She died June 13.
"I know the morphine they gave her. She really needed it. It was not an easy way to go," said Whitman.
A few days before she passed, she was able to share a room with her husband of 69 years, Robert Whitman, 93, also diagnosed with coronavirus. He died three days after her death.
"His condition deteriorated pretty quickly I think after my grandmother passed away," said Whitman.
Whitman's emotions are still raw.
"It's really tough not to be with family, not being able to get together to mourn," said Whitman.
Whitman, a professional musician, is also grieving the death of five friends from the world of music. A few days ago, he released a recording of his award-winning song "I Have A Friend," which was inspired by his grandmother. It's a recording that helped him grieve.
"There is a healing aspect to sharing your humanity. When they listen, they experience it as well," said Whitman.
He hopes those who have lost loved ones will also gain healing from his music and to convey another message for others.
"I have whoever hears my song will no longer question the seriousness of the pandemic and the urgency of being safe on a day-to-day basis and do things like wearing a mask," said Whitman.