HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – A 77-year-old man who grew up on the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation is believed to be the first Native American in Florida to die of coronavirus.
Don Osceola had been hospitalized at Memorial Regional Hospital since April 17; he passed away Wednesday, April 29 from complications related to COVID-19. Osceola had initially tested negative for the virus, but then later tested positive.
Recommended Videos
It was not released how Osceola may have contracted the disease.
Born a Seminole, he became a member of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians when he married his first wife, Dorothy Billie, who was a member of the Miccosukee Tribe.
Osceola graduated from Clewiston High School and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. and was on active duty during the Vietnam War. He earned the Purple Heart, according to his daughter, who said he received the honor after a bullet hit the tip of his nose.
Osceola worked for the National Park Service at Shark Valley in Everglades National Park, completed police academy training and worked as a police officer with the Miccosukee Police Department. He later worked in the Housing Department of the Miccosukee Tribe.
Click here to get updates delivered straight to your email inbox.
ALSO SEE
How many coronavirus cases are in my city?
Florida coronavirus map lists cases by zip code
How full are the hospital beds in South Florida?
Where and when are food distributions this week?
How well is Florida social distancing? Here are some grades
Florida releases list of long-term care facilities with confirmed COVID-19 cases