The native household requested for persistence after the virus claims the 33-year-old has a liked one

Zack Starrett’s family will tell you that he lived for the great outdoors. An active, healthy, happy 33 year old man who loved to travel and hang out with longtime friend Michelle Rauenswinder and her dog Doug. Starrett died last week, almost two months after he was diagnosed with COVID-19. “He is and will be such a light,” said Zack’s brother Josh Starrett. Zack Starrett’s fight against COVID-19 began in early October, according to his family. There was some breathlessness followed by a series of painful migraines that eventually led Zack Starrett to rush himself to Excela Latrobe Hospital. Within a few hours, Zack Starrett was flown to UPMC Presby in Pittsburgh. “They diagnosed him with COVID-related double lung pneumonia and COVID-related heart failure,” said Josh Starrett. Zack Starrett struggled for weeks as his organs continued to fail. “It was devastating,” said Michelle Rauenswinder. “It only got worse slowly and gradually. He literally couldn’t catch his breath.” Josh Starrett said his brother loved traveling and playing music. Zack Starrett taught himself to play the mandolin. The family rented a hotel room in Pittsburgh to be closer to Zack Starrett when his battle against the virus took a turn in recent weeks. Zack Starrett ran Flappers, the upstairs bar at Tin Lizzy in Youngstown, Westmoreland County. The company was shut down by the state Department of Agriculture this week for remaining open for dining in violation of state regulations. Buck Pawlosky declined to be interviewed, but told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 that, in violation of these instructions, he had continued to keep his store open to prevent permanent closure. Zack Starrett’s family admits that there is no way they can know where he got the virus. Rauenswinder said Zack Starrett took extra precautions. “He was wearing his mask. He washed his hands,” said Rauenswinder. “We’d get in the truck and he’d spray his hands. He’s done the right things.” The family’s goal now is to try to protect others by telling Zack Starrett’s story. I hope it could remind some of the devastating effects this virus can have. “I just hope people listen and people pay attention because this is very real and not discriminatory,” said Josh Starrett. Life is changed forever and if we can save another family from it, it’s worth it, “said Rauenswinder .

NEW STANTON, Pa. –

Zack Starrett’s family will tell you that he lived for the great outdoors. An active, healthy, happy 33 year old man who loved to travel and hang out with longtime friend Michelle Rauenswinder and her dog Doug.

Starrett died last week, almost two months after he was diagnosed with COVID-19.

“He is and will be such a light,” said Zack’s brother Josh Starrett.

Zack Starrett’s fight against COVID-19 began in early October, according to his family. There was some breathlessness followed by a series of painful migraines that eventually led Zack Starrett to rush himself to Excela Latrobe Hospital. Within a few hours, Zack Starrett was flown to the UPMC Presby in Pittsburgh.

“They diagnosed him with COVID-related double lung pneumonia and COVID-related heart failure,” said Josh Starrett.

Zack Starrett struggled for weeks as his organs continued to fail.

“It was devastating,” said Michelle Rauenswinder. “It only got worse slowly and gradually. He literally couldn’t catch his breath.”

Josh Starrett said his brother loved traveling and playing music. Zack Starrett taught himself to play the mandolin. The family rented a hotel room in Pittsburgh to be closer to Zack Starrett as his fight against the virus took a turn in recent weeks.

Zack Starrett ran Flappers, the upstairs bar at Tin Lizzy in Youngstown, Westmoreland County. The company was shut down by the state Department of Agriculture this week for remaining open for dining in violation of state regulations.

Buck Pawlosky declined to be interviewed, but told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 that, in violation of these instructions, he had continued to keep his store open to prevent permanent closure.

Zack Starrett’s family admits that there is no way they can know where he got the virus. Rauenswinder said Zack Starrett took extra precautions.

“He was wearing his mask. He washed his hands,” said Rauenswinder. “We’d get in the truck and he’d spray his hands. He’s done the right things.”

The family’s goal now is to protect others by telling Zack Starrett’s story. Hoping this may remind some of the devastating effects of this virus.

“I just hope people listen and pay attention because this is very real and not discriminatory,” said Josh Starrett.

“Our life is forever changed and if we can save another family from it, it’s worth it,” said Rauenswinder.