An 11-year-old boy died after being diagnosed with what was thought to be the “common flu.”
Matthew Deveraturda, from Napier, New Zealand, was taken to Hawke’s Bay Hospital before being transferred to a hospital in Auckland after a bout of flu worsened to serious condition, according to the New Zealand Herald.
On Tuesday, June 25, his family posted an update on a Givealittle page that Mateo had passed away.
It is with great sadness that we share that our beloved Mateo took his last breath at 6:15 a.m. on June 25, 2025. Surrounded by his family, he faced his journey with strength and left us at peace.
They added: “Mateo will be transferred home to Napier on Thursday, June 26, where he will rest at the family home for the next few days.”
The family initially asked for support from the public after Mateo was admitted to pediatric intensive care.
Without going into too many personal details, Mateo started with what began as a common flu that quickly turned into a life-threatening situation, the description said.
His parents took him to the doctor on Tuesday in Hawke’s Bay, where he was transferred to Hastings Hospital for emergency treatment.
That same night, he was airlifted from Hawke’s Bay Hospital to Starship Children’s Hospital and is currently in an induced coma, fighting for his life due to multiple organ failure.
They added that the donated money would go toward covering their expenses, as ” being away from home, covering meals and travel costs is considerable. Your generous support will ease these burdens, allowing them to focus fully on Mateo’s recovery.”
At the time of publication, nearly $12,000 had been raised on the page.
In a heartfelt tribute to his son, Mateo’s father, Brian Deveraturda, wrote on Facebook: “Thank you so much for your 11 years of companionship. It was a great pleasure and privilege to be your father from the moment you were born. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH, MY SON, and heaven has gained a new angel.”
Mateo’s school, St. Patrick’s School, also paid tribute to their deceased student on Facebook.
“We ask our community to please pray for Mateo’s family, his friends, and all those who loved him,” they wrote alongside photos of Mateo. “ This is a time to come together, support one another, and show compassion. Please reach out if your son or family needs support; we are here for you.”
