Coda Hawaiian interpreter passes away from Covid-19

A Coda ASL interpreter in Hawaii, Patty Sakal, who was known all over the island because she appeared on television to interpret for Gov. David Ige and the former mayor of Honolulu during coronavirus briefings, passed away on Friday from Covid-19. She was 62.

Here is a clip from KHON 2 News.

[Video clip]

KHON 2 reported that Sakal died in California. Her older sister said she contracted the virus somewhere between the Honolulu airport and the San Diego airport.

CNN reported that she had breathing and intestinal symptoms when infected and was placed on a ventilator at a hospital near San Diego. Her family decided to remove the ventilator when they were told she wouldn’t survive. Nurses played her favorite jazz music and her family used a videoconference call to tell them their final goodbyes.

The former mayor of Honolulu, Kirk Caldwell, said Patty was there through the worst times of the Covid-19 pandemic and that he wishes he could say “thank you” more times.

Sakal was a singer for her church’s music ministry. There is a YouTube video of her singing.

CNN said the family plans for the celebration of life to happen in 2022 when it is safe to gather.

https://www.khon2.com/coronavirus/beloved-asl-interpreter-for-state-dies-from-covid-19-complications/?fbclid=IwAR2vpUQ3Fqh1KLh-xixznGmGi5JK3jDOFjJQuSuG6fbtV9jjKXF5s2TE4KQ

https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/20/us/hawaii-asl-interpreter-dies-of-covid-trnd/index.html



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