Canada’s nurses are mourning the tragic death of one of our own, 26-year-old Kim Kotelo of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
On behalf of 200,000 nurses and student nurses across the country, the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions extends our deepest condolences to Kim’s loved ones, colleagues and the Manitoba Nurses Union community as they grieve this devastating loss.
Kim had worked as a Registered Nurse in acute care for about one year, after graduating with a Bachelor of Nursing degree in early 2020. Kim was found dead in her apartment by a colleague on April 30, and tests determined she had COVID-19. According to reports, Kim had type 1 diabetes and had not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine.
“My heart breaks to hear that the life and nursing career of Kim Kotelo has been tragically cut short by this pandemic, and I am keeping her family and community in my thoughts,” said Linda Silas, nurse and president of the CFNU.
Like so many nurses across the country, Kim went to work every day to provide the best care possible for her patients, despite the personal risk she faced. Becoming a nurse reportedly fulfilled Kim’s childhood dream and reflected her deeply caring nature.
“As this pandemic continues to claim the lives of those who serve our communities, I encourage everyone in Canada to get vaccinated when it’s your turn – so that no more health care workers have to die of this virus.”
As of May 13, Kim Kotelo is the 53rd health care worker known to have died of COVID-19 in Canada. The CFNU and fellow nurses across the country honour and remember Kim – in our memorial and in our hearts.
View the CFNU’s online memorial for Canada’s health care workers who have died of COVID-19.
