SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — An Oceanside family is mourning the loss of a beloved father to COVID-19.
David Bustamante first started feeling sick during the first week of November.
"Started with a cold. Congestion, and then a cough in his chest," said his daughter Samantha Bustamante.
A few days later, he drove himself to the hospital, received a COVID-19 test, and was sent home. By the time he learned he was positive, his symptoms had gotten worse.
"He was having trouble breathing, really raspy," Samantha said.
Bustamante decided to stay at the home of a friend, who had also tested positive. On the morning of Nov. 13, Bustamante, a father of two grown children, passed away in his sleep, at the age of 64.
"It’s very hard knowing he’s gone, and it’s heartbreaking ... so quick, suddenly and out of the blue. Very unexpected," said Samantha.
Samantha says her father loved his family and loved his work in the inspection process for a new home builder.
"He was resilient, hard-working, and caring with a big heart," said Samantha.
During the pandemic, he kept working. She doesn't know how he contracted COVID-19, but does know he was diligent about wearing a mask.
"All I can say to people is to be as safe as you can in everything you do ... You just don't know what's going to happen," said Samantha.
On Thanksgiving, Samantha will join some extended family is a small get-together, with one fewer place setting
"He’s definitely going to be missed. I know I will be thinking of him," said a tearful Samantha.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help the family with expenses.