A 30-year-old Victorian man has passed away suddenly on what was supposed to be his first Father’s Day as a parent.
Ben Ihlow tragically died on Sunday after a week-long battle with the flu, leaving behind his wife, Samantha and 10-month-old son, Andrew.
Mr Ihlow’s uncle, Neil Adams, said he became ill with a ‘bit of a bug’ on Monday, before being taken to emergency on Friday, Seven News reports.
30-year-old father, Ben Ihlow, tragically died on Sunday after a week-long battle with the flu
‘Everyone’s in shock because it was sudden. He got sick on the Monday and just had a bit of a bug,’ he said.
‘It was his first Father’s Day, unfortunately he didn’t get to spend it with him.’
The bottle shop employee was described as a ‘bubbly and bright’ individual who had a great appreciation for cricket and football.
He left behind his wife, Samantha, and 10-month-old child, Andrew, with whom he would’ve spent his first Father’s Day as a parent
Mr Adams said his local Bacchus Marsh community had been rallying around his late nephew’s family.
‘(we’re) All rallying behind the wife and the son to do whatever we can and give em whatever help we can.’
They have set up a YouCaring account where donations can be made to support the family of Mr Ihlow.
Mr Ihlow’s uncle, Neil Adams, said he became ill with a ‘bit of a bug’ on Monday, before being taken to emergency on Friday
He was the latest victim to be claimed by what has been one of the most disastrous flu seasons in history.
More than 12,000 cases have been reported in Victoria alone this year leading to a national shortage in the anti-viral drug Tamiflu.
The Australian Medical Association says cases of influenza could be expected for at least the next two months.