An army veteran from Ohio, USA, who refused to wear a face mask because he did not want to buy into the hype died after contracting the deadly disease.
37-year-old Richard Rose, who is from Port Clinton, served 9 years in the army died at his home due to complications brought by the deadly disease.
He did 2 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
On April 28, 2020, he said that he will be ignoring official recommendations to wear a face mask during this pandemic.,
Rose said:
Let [me] make this clear. I’m not buying a f—ing mask. I’ve made it this far by not buying into that damn hype.
In the wake of his death, the post that he made on Facebook has been shared at around 18,000 times.
Hundreds of social media users mocked him after his death was reported.
Nick Conley, a friend of Rose, said:
Rick is getting slaughtered online right now for his decision that he made not to wear a mask and that’s not right. We should still be compassionate whether we agree with someone’s beliefs or not. Someone has passed away and we should have some compassion towards that.
On July 1, 2020, he posted that he had been very sick.
A short time after, he said:
Well. I’m officially under quarantine for the next 14 days. I just tested positive for COVID-19. Sucks because I had just started a new job!
On July 2, 2020, he said:
This covid s–t sucks! I’m so out of breath just sitting here.
A day before his death, he said:
When you see me in heaven don’t s–t yourself you judgmental pricks.
Conley said that it was horrible that Rick died.
The dear friend of Rose hopes that the death of his friend will serve as a warning to other people that think the same way his friend did.
He said:
I know a lot of people that haven’t met someone that they know of that has been diagnosed with the virus and I wanted people to see it was real and my hope is that people will see that this does happen and people will be more cautious.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the deceased, may his soul rest in peace.