Karl-Anthony Towns of NBA Loses Mother to COVID-19

NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns mourns the loss of his mother after she suffered from COVID-19 complications.

The Minnesota Timberwolves announced through their official Twitter account that the Towns family is currently heartbroken by the loss of Jacqueline Towns, who passed away due to complications from COVID-19.

It was also revealed that the basketball star's father, Karl Sr., also tested positive for COVID-19.

REMEMBERING THE TOWNS FAMILY MATRIARCH

Jacqueline, known to many as Jackie, was the matriarch of the Towns family, and an incredible source of strength for them. Now that she's gone, the Towns family thanks all those who have sent love and support their way despite such a difficult time in their lives.

Through the statement, it was also revealed that the basketball star's father, Karl Sr., also tested positive for COVID-19 but has ultimately recovered from it and is currently with the rest of the family during this trying time.

THE DIFFICULTY OF SAYING GOODBYE WITH COVID-19 PATIENTS

COVID-19 is a highly-contagious disease, and when a person becomes affected by it, they are isolated from the rest of the family as no visitors are allowed in hospitals. In some states, families are left with no choice but to say goodbye to their dying loved ones through a walkie talkie.

That was the case for 42-year-old Sundee Rutter, who passed away on March 16, leaving behind six children. Rutter first had the flu, before it became pneumonia. Ultimately, she tested positive for the virus and had to be isolated from her family.

NO PROPER GOODBYES BECAUSE OF COVID-19

While she was at the hospital, her six children could only be in the vicinity, but not directly with her. She had to see them through a glass window, and they spoke for the last time through a walkie talkie.

COVID-19 has made it difficult for families to say their proper goodbyes due to the social distancing measures put in place, and it's made all the deaths all the more heartbreaking. It's also such a trying time for healthcare workers, as more often than not, they are the last to speak to their patients before they ultimately succumb to the virus.