COVID’s ‘untold story’: Texas Blacks and Latinos are dying in the prime of their lives
The deaths have sweeping implications for Texas’ economy, for its higher education system and for a rapidly unfolding mental health crisis
Since his mother, Cecilia, and his fiancee, Blanca Leon (in framed photo), died of COVID-19, Claudio Sanchez has been caring for his and Blanca's sons Jose Ortiz, 14, Daniel Sanchez, 6, Claudio's sister, Celeste, 18, and three cousins who had lived with his mother and aunt: Elijah Sanchez, 7, Izaeyah Burkley, 8, and Aaliyah Sanchez, 9.(Vernon Bryant / Staff Photographer)
Claudio Sanchez is facing his first Christmas without his fiancée, Blanca Leon; his mother, Cecilia; and Blanca’s father, Jose. All three died of COVID-19.