Deadly Flu Season Claims Emmaus H.S. Grad

A 31-year-old Lehigh Carbon Community College nursing student has died following a bout with the flu and pneumonia, according to a memo from a LCCC official to students and staff. 

David Mueller, 31, died at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, according to his obituary posted on the Heintzelman Funeral Home webpage.

He was employed as an insurance agent at Geico in Whitehall Township, but he was working toward a degree in nursing at LCCC.

He as a 2000 graduate of Emmaus High School and was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Church in Orefield.

More people have died of the flu in Pennsylvania this season than any other flu season since 2003, when the state began tracking cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported. As of Feb. 23, five flu-related deaths were reported in Lehigh County and four in Northampton County.

LCCC associate dean Brian DeLong informed students, faculty and staff of Mueller's death in an email. "Our hearts go out to David’s family and friends," he wrote.

He said counseling services were being made available to those in the campus community who needed help dealing with any feelings of shock and grief.

Also, he advised that anyone showing signs of an upper respiratory infection or a severe cold to seek-out immediate medical attention.

According to Mueller's obituary, memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus Assembly 3298, in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box # 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196. The contributions will be used to establish a trust fund for Mueller's daughter, Autumn Rose, and Influenza Vaccination Awareness.

Information on services is contained in Mueller's obituary.