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Bradley Nursing Student Dies From COVID-19 After Treating Infected Patient

Kelly Lynn Raether
Hafemeister Funeral Home
Kelly Lynn Raether

A Bradley University online doctoral nursing student has died after contracting COVID-19.

In a message to the campus, the university said 42-year-old Kelly Lynn Raether died on Nov. 26. She was infected with COVID-19 while attending to the emergency medical needs of an infected patient.

Raether also was the EMT captain of the Ixonia Volunteer Fire Department in Ixonia, Wisconsin, and a nursing instructor at Carroll University in Wisconsin.

"She is a health care hero and should be honored as such. We are honored to have had Kelly as part of the Bradley family, and we mourn her passing," said Bradley University President Stephen Standifird.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers also expressed condolences after Raether's passing.

"Cpt. Raether served her community every day with astounding courage and selflessness, putting her health and safety on the line, even during a global pandemic, to help others," Evers said.

Bradley University flags will fly at half-staff for three days in honor of Raether's memory. Her funeral was Dec. 5.

Counseling services are available for Bradley students and staff in need.

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Copyright 2021 WCBU. To see more, visit WCBU.

Tim Shelley is the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio.