A Michigan husband and father of 5 died of COVID-19 on May 13, after he and his wife Hollie Rivers refused to take the preventative vaccine just two weeks prior.
According to Fox 5, Antwone Rivers and his family made sure to follow the CDC guidelines to stay safe from contracting the virus.
They kept social distancing and wore masks; however, the couple did not feel comfortable enough to take the vaccine that protects against COVID-19.
Hollie told the news outlet, “It was funny because two weeks prior to this happening – we were talking about it more, saying maybe we should get vaccinated, and now it’s like, a big loss for everybody.”
The beloved father and husband had a rough upbringing in foster care, where he faced years of abuse and neglect by those responsible for him.
Antwone did not let his difficult past deter him; his wife said that he overcame those obstacles by going to school and beginning a career he loved.
Antwone was a manager at Precision Vehicle Logistics in Wayne.
“He went to work every day even on the weekends, on vacations he worked,” she said.
Suspicions turned to concern when Antwone called in sick in April, something he never did.
The couple went to the doctor, and Antwone and Hollie learned they both tested positive for COVID-19.
“I know that it was like a week into us having Covid; he started feeling worse, and I started feeling better,” she said.
Over time, Antwone’s symptoms began to worsen. He was rushed to the hospital in April, and Hollie had no idea that would be the last time she saw or heard from her husband.
Antwon was put on a ventilator, but every organ in her husband’s body began to shut down, and after a month of fighting for his life, he passed.
“Hard – but it is even harder for our children,” Hollie said. “Our oldest, she is 13, and she is sadder for the younger two because they are 3 and 1. And she’s sadder they won’t have the memories the other children will have.”
Now, the devastated young mother has to raise her family without the love of her life, and she admits that she regrets their decision.
“Most of all, it feels like a dream, and it hasn’t hit me yet,” she said.
When asked if she’d take back her decision and take the vaccine, she responded, “Yes, no questions asked.”
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Antwone’s co-workers from Precision started a GoFundMe to support the River.
The fundraising page describes Antwone to be someone that was “true to his name and like a river, never let the chaos of life deter him.”
“Between working, being a superhero dad, and loving husband, Antwone gave back to his community by mentoring youth with Feed the Streets,” it also said.
