A local TV news anchor mistakenly declared a young coronavirus patient to be dead after Democratic New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced his recovery.
New York ABC7 anchor Bill Ritter labeled 26-year-old New Jersey resident Jack Allard dead from the coronavirus, though he had made a remarkable recovery since entering a medically-induced coma from the illness.
“After spending time on a ventilator and five full weeks in the hospital, the governor today announcing that Jack has died,” Ritter said on a Monday broadcast. However, the clip proceeding Ritter’s statement showed Murphy discussing the young man’s recovery.
“It was a long month, but slowly Jack rebounded. Last Thursday, he was clapped out by the doctors and nurses who saved his life as he walked out of the hospital,” Murphy said during a press conference.
Ritter then immediately declared he felt “horrible” for his error.
“Jack is very much alive. Jack, we love you,” the anchor began. “Jack is alive and back home. He has come home, not in the figurative sense, but in the quite literal sense, and my deepest apologies for that.”
Murphy also tweeted about Allard’s recovery on Monday, saying it filled him and others with optimism.
“Five weeks ago, former @RHSBOYSLACROSSE standout and @BatesCollege All-American Jack Allard was confirmed positive for #COVID19. He was put on a ventilator. Last Thursday, he walked out of the hospital. For Jack and the hundreds more who have recovered, we’re optimistic.”
Five weeks ago, former @RHSBOYSLACROSSE standout and @BatesCollege All-American Jack Allard was confirmed positive for #COVID19. He was put on a ventilator. Last Thursday, he walked out of the hospital. For Jack and the hundreds more who have recovered, we’re optimistic. pic.twitter.com/Lj5JFlZ5Yk
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) April 20, 2020
