Healthy 11-year-old Alabama boy dies from flu complications after brain swelling

An 11-year-old boy from Alabama has died after suffering severe complications from the flu. Jace Watkins, a healthy fifth grader at Hueytown Intermediate, was hospitalized last week when his condition rapidly worsened.

Jace Watkins initially tested positive for the flu. His symptoms escalated quickly, leading to seizures and breathing difficulties. Doctors admitted him to the intensive care unit at Children's of Alabama.

Over the following days, his condition deteriorated further. Brain swelling restricted oxygen flow to his brain, causing critical damage. Despite medical intervention, he passed away on Saturday, a week after admission.

No specific medical staff involved in his treatment have been publicly named.

Jace Watkins had no known underlying health problems before contracting the flu. His death highlights the potential severity of flu-related complications in children. The family has not released further details about his case.