GREENE COUNTY \u2014 The first pediatric flu death in Ohio for the 2025-26 season has been identified.<\/p>\n
[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks<\/a>]<\/p>\n The Greene County Public Health confirmed that 16-year-old Ryleigh Spurlock died from the flu, according to a Greene County Public Health spokesperson.<\/p>\n As previously reported by News Center 7<\/a>, Greene County Public Health said on New Year\u2019s Eve that \u201ca previously healthy teen\u201d under 18 years old died from the flu.<\/p>\n Donald Brannen, PhD, Community Epidemiologist, confirmed the teen was a 16-year-old girl from Beavercreek.<\/p>\n \u201cOur concerns are with the family and our community during this time. This is a sad and serious event that breaks our hearts,\u201d Health Commissioner Melissa Howell said in a statement.<\/p>\n TRENDING STORIES:<\/p>\n >>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Ohio\u2019s first pediatric flu death of season reported in Miami Valley<\/a><\/p>\n Ryleigh attended Beavercreek High School and had dreams of being a cosmetologist, according to her online obituary<\/a>.<\/p>\n Her family said that she was \u201cthe kindest, sweetest soul with a presence and smile that could captivate any room.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHer giggles are contagious, and she always enjoyed making people laugh,\u201d her obituary said. \u201cRyleigh would help any stranger and loved all people, especially children. She was anxious to grow up and start her own family and career one day.\u201d<\/p>\n Visitation will be on Friday, Jan. 8, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home in Beavercreek.<\/p>\n Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m.<\/p>\n