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The flu-related death of a child has been reported in Ontario County

Madeline Barton
Naples School District
Madeline Barton

The Naples School District is mourning the loss of an elementary student, apparently due to complications of influenza. The Ontario County Health Department confirmed the death.

Health officials say while relatively rare, there are a handful of deaths involving children due to the flu across the state each year, and the number of local flu cases appear to be hitting their seasonal peak.

Naples School District officials have identified the student as Madeline Barton, a 6th grader at the school. The 11 year old died Wednesday.

The Naples School Superintendent, Matt Frahm, says that school counselors will be available for students and staff.

In a letter to the district, he said, “we are all hurting right now, “ and he says the district is focusing on wrapping the entire school community in support.

A gofundme page was set up to help the family defray medical expenses.

A candlelight vigil was held at the Trinity Federated Church on Wednesday night.

Family members are asking that people wear clothes, bows, or hang flags with a loud, happy blue , as they put it, to honor and remember Madeline Barton.

A YouTube video was created in Madeline’s memory. 

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.