Paul J. Kim, a Catholic influencer, announced the tragic passing of his 5-year-old son, Micah, after an 11-day battle with a severe flu that turned septic.
Paul J. Kim, a prominent Catholic influencer, shared the heartbreaking news on Thursday that his 5-year-old son, Micah, had passed away following an 11-day struggle with a severe case of the flu. This tragic journey unfolded publicly as Kim provided near-daily updates to his more than 300,000 followers on Instagram.
Micah died on New Year’s Eve, and in an emotional video posted shortly after the announcement, Kim expressed his gratitude to supporters for their prayers and requested privacy for his family during this difficult time. “We are so proud of him,” Kim said, visibly moved. “I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, as his dad, on behalf of my family, for all the ways you guys prayed and lifted us up during this time. It’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever been through in my life, and it continues to be.”
The ordeal began on December 21, when Kim revealed that Micah was being taken to the hospital by ambulance due to a medical emergency. In subsequent updates, he shared that doctors had described Micah’s illness as an unusually severe case of the flu. As the situation progressed, Kim informed his followers that Micah had been placed on life support and urged them to pray for his son’s recovery.
Tragically, the flu infection escalated, turning septic and resulting in seizures. Kim noted that doctors characterized the case as both rare and serious. On December 30, he provided a somber update, revealing that Micah’s condition had deteriorated further, and he was in a coma as doctors and family members worked tirelessly to give him as much time as possible.
Throughout this harrowing experience, Kim shared several posts, some of which included images of Micah in the hospital. These updates garnered millions of views, resonating deeply with his audience. He often referred to his son as a fighter and “my hero,” highlighting the strength and resilience he saw in Micah.
In a poignant Instagram post, Kim quoted Job 1:21, stating, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” He expressed that Micah had entered “the never-ending glory, love, and peace of God.” Despite their profound grief, Kim emphasized that his family continues to rely on their faith during this challenging time.
Kim also requested prayers for his family as they navigate the difficult journey of learning “how to live by faith and not by sight.” His heartfelt messages have resonated with many, drawing attention to the ongoing struggles families face during flu season.
According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 288 pediatric deaths reported in the 2024-25 flu season, marking a record high for a non-pandemic year. Most of these cases have occurred among unvaccinated children, with approximately 70% of the affected children having underlying health conditions such as asthma.
This flu season has also seen the emergence of a new strain, referred to as a “super flu.” This variant, a mutation of influenza A H3N2 known as subclade K, is highly contagious and aggressive, contributing to the rising number of severe cases across the nation.
The CDC estimates that around 20,000 children under the age of five are hospitalized annually due to flu-related complications, with infants under six months facing the highest risk of mortality. This underscores the critical importance of annual vaccinations for young children.
As the community mourns the loss of young Micah, Kim’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the vital role of faith and support during times of crisis. Kim did not immediately respond to requests for further comments.
For more information on flu prevention and vaccination, visit the CDC’s official website.
According to Fox News Digital.