Teen dies from flu-related complications

Fallbrook High School graduate of 2017, Hunter Michael Conner, died Jan. 17, 2018, from complications of the flu.

"Hunter was only 18 when he died, but he led a meaningful and purpose-driven life, full of joy, a thirst for learning, and a heart for those who were hurting," his parents, Troy and Rose Conner, said.

Hunter is survived by his parents and his brother John. The family lives in Rainbow.

Hunter's Memorial Service will be at 10 a.m., Feb. 10 at Rancho Community Church, 31300 Rancho Community Way, Temecula, 92592. Rose Hunter said the service is open to the community.

"His dream was to combine his love for travel and people and go all over the world to help those in need through organizations such as Doctors Without Borders and Samaritan Aviation," the Conners said.

One student, Rachel Fraser, remembers Hunter for his big smile.

"He was a really outdoorsy kid, and really sweet," Fraser said.

FHS' Ag department's Doug Sehnert knew Hunter the four years Hunter was at Fallbrook High.

"Hunter was a good solid kid. He was one of our FFA Chapter's State Proficiency Winners."

Sehnert explained that Hunter farmed on the family farm and helped people out who were less fortunate.

"Hunter was also a member of the vegetable farming team of judges," Sehnert added.

"Our lives are forever changed with his loss but we are eternally grateful for the privilege of sharing his life and the immense joy he brought to us," the Conners said.

"He will be remembered for his beautiful smile, kind, and generous heart, his desires to travel the world, his quick wit, his love of others and love of life."

Craig Sturak, a spokesman for San Diego County Health and Human Services, said that though the death of such a young, healthy, man is rare, there have been several cases this year with the "severe flu season."

He mentioned that the percentage of flu cases in hospital emergency rooms dominates over any other problem.

For some, the flu turns into a nasty pneumonia, which turns septic in the victim. The body starts to shut down then as the blood stream is taken over by the bacterial microorganisms.

Sturak said it's important to not ignore flu symptoms when you are experiencing them. Go to the doctor. Stay hydrated.

And if you are healthy and haven't caught the flu, continue to wash hands, don't touch your face – eyes, nose, mouth and ears – when you are out shopping or touching things in

public. The virus can survive several days on surfaces such as door handles, toilet handles, light switches, etc.

County Health also advocates getting the flu vaccine if you haven't gotten one yet.