UTAHNS WE’VE LOST
Murray Man Dies Of COVID, Leaving Behind Pregnant Wife & Son
Jan 28, 2021, 11:14 PM | Updated: Jan 29, 2021, 4:55 am
MURRAY, Utah – Matt Johnson’s family members know his story is not unique, but they hope people will understand the real, heartbreaking impacts of COVID-19 by sharing it.
“Be careful — everything that we are told to do, invited to do, suggested to do, do it,” said Steve Johnson, Matt’s father.
Matt Johnson was only 40 years old with no underlying health conditions when he, his wife and other family members caught COVID-19 in late December. He fought the virus at home as long as he could, but eventually, his symptoms were too severe and he ended up in the hospital.
“The baby inside of her is the last little piece of Matt she can bring to the world.”
After a two week battle in the ICU, 40 yr old Matt Johnson died of COVID leaving his pregnant wife and son.
At 10:00, the family’s message for others to stop the spread @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/3DivnPT412
— Ashley Moser (@AshleyMoser) January 29, 2021
“Once he got in the ICU and was intubated, you know, it was like all of a sudden a curtain just shut,” said Beth Johnson, Matt’s mother.
He died on Wednesday after two weeks in the ICU. The family’s focus now turns to supporting his wife, Jennie.
“There are going to be those lonely moments, there’s going to be times she is going to be very nervous and afraid financially, physically spiritually in every way,” Steve Johnson said.
Matt Johnson was a driver for UTA and leaves behind his wife, 5-year-old son and unborn baby, due in August.
“The baby inside of her is kind of like the last little piece of Matt that she can bring to the world,” Beth Johnson said.
The family is now finding comfort knowing Matt is reunited with his firstborn son, who died in childbirth eight years ago.
Family and friends have set up a GoFundMe* to help Jennie Johnson with expenses.
*KSL-TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
