Navy sailor becomes military's 81st COVID-19 death

More than 80 service members have died after contracting COVID-19, including the Navy’s latest death of a Reserve forces sailor last week.

Lt. Ivey Quintana-Martinez, 35, of Lake Elsinore, Calif., died of coronavirus-related complications on Dec. 18 at Cedar Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, according to a Navy statement released Tuesday.

Quintana-Martinez, who had been assigned to Navy Reserve Center San Diego, is the U.S. military’s 81st recorded death since the start of the pandemic and the fourth so far this month.

She had battled the virus for more than a month after being admitted to the hospital on Nov. 10.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family, shipmates and friends of Lt. Quintana-Martinez during this extremely difficult time,” the statement said. “Anyone experiencing COVID-related symptoms is encouraged to seek medical attention immediately.”