Tragic new details have emerged about a 27-year-old man who died "suddenly" of COVID-19 in New South Wales - the youngest victim of the Australian state's current outbreak.
Aude Alaskar tested positive for COVID-19 on July 21 and had been self-isolating in his home in the Sydney suburb of Warwick Farm.
He had been in contact with medical officials and told them he was feeling "a little fatigued", 7News reported.
However on Tuesday, his condition deteriorated and he collapsed while at home with his wife. Paramedics were unable to revive him.
He is the youngest COVID-19 victim in New South Wales so far.
Neighbour Mimi Anzures told ABC News she heard Alaskar's partner's cries of distress during the incident.
"At first I heard crying, then shouting and howling," she said.
"After that two ambulances came and after a few minutes there were police cars everywhere."
His wife has since been hospitalised.
Alaskar's cousin Bash Mnati told ABC News their family will remember him as a "perfect man".
"He was so nice, he was so good, he never had any trouble with anyone," said Mnati.
"He just got married about three months ago and his wedding party was in two months' time."
He said Alaskar was working as a forklift driver and had no underlying health conditions.
"He was a soccer player, he was a very fit guy. He used to always do sports. He never smoked, doesn't drink," Mnati said.
Local health officials are using Alaskar's death to encourage younger Australians to get vaccinated and follow health guidelines.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard urged people 18 years and older to "Go and get it".
"Sadly we just heard one young person, in his 20s, has passed away which I think emphasises what we have been saying now for quite some time about two-thirds of all of our cases are currently under 40 years. It's a very serious issue."
