In Memory

Natasha Stephanie Ott - Class Of 2000 VIEW PROFILE

Jan 9, 1981 - Mar 20, 2020



 

Natasha Ott, age 39, succumbed to a sudden respiratory illness in New Orleans after a week of symptoms typical of COVID-19 infection. She initially declined to be tested to save for others the few test kits available to her patients at the clinic where she worked. Her family has shared her story in public mediain hopes of warning others of the danger this virus poses for young and old alike.

In addition to her family’s advice below, we urge the following:

• STAY HOME as much as possible. 

• If you have any health risks such as respiratory issues, cancer, compromised immune system, heart disease, etc. be extra cautious & allow friends or family to shop for you. 

• Keep a social distance of at least 6 feet from anyone you don’t live with. 

• Use recommended protective gear including latex gloves & masks when shopping or where others tend to congregate. 

• Avoid groups of people & crowds, even in open spaces like parks, beaches & walking paths.

• Wash your hands often & thoroughly.

• Remember this is a marathon, not a sprint, and will not be over soon. Please act responsibly to save your life and others.



Here is an update on Natasha's death from her family and boyfriend as they have published on facebook and in national news media:

She began to feel ill around March 9th or 10th and although she felt more and more unwell, she kept her quirky sense of humor joking about using whiskey as medicine and how bored her dog was getting.

On or around March 13th, she was tested for flu, and flu was not detected.

By March 16th, she felt “incredibly sick and just got tested” for coronavirus.

She was found dead on March 20, 2020 at age 39, after exhibiting symptoms indicating COVID-19 including fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and feeling like "something was in [her] lungs." At the time of her death, the coronavirus test results had not come back.

She had no pre-existing conditions that would have caused these symptoms or sudden death.

When her test results came back, they showed that the virus was "not detected." Note that no coronavirus/COVID-19 tests results will say 'negative'; rather, they will show that the virus was detected or not detected in that particular specimen.

The doctor who had tested her and received the results was incredulous, and immediately called LabCorp to have her specimen retested.

The coroner also sent in a specimen to be tested at a local university.

As of March 25th, these tests have come back indicating that the coronavirus was "not detected."

An autopsy will be performed on March 26th, and results will take several weeks to be communicated to the family.

At this time, the family is urging the following:

1. Get tested immediately if you have symptoms. The more data we have, the better we can fight this virus.
2. Seek treatment if you have symptoms, even if they seem mild at first. CALL your doctor immediately for instructions on how to proceed. DO NOT show up at the ER without notifying them first so they can be ready for you. Our incredible health professionals are focused on treating the symptoms to keep you alive, regardless of your test results.
3. Advocate for support for testing and treatment in your community.

We, the family, are grateful for the outpouring of support and love we have received. Natasha's death is a loss to us all: her family, her friends, her clients, and everyone whose life she touched.

An online memorial service open to those who knew Natasha (no press or lookie loos, please) will be held on Sunday, March 29 at 4pm CT. For details, please contact the family member with whom you are closest.



 

Natasha's work profile:

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

"I believe that therapy is an opportunity for people to heal and transform their lives to be more in line with who they want to be. Whether that is to recover from mental illness, stabilize crises, or increase coping skills and self-care. In both my professional and personal life, I have seen the value of therapy to help draw people out of dark times in their lives to illuminate paths of hope to lead them to the other side of whatever issue is challenging them. My work with clients is grounded in the present moment, positive engagement, is client directed, and often employs a clinical tool box of interventions.

I have worked as a Clinical Social Worker for 6 years in both New Orleans and San Francisco and worked with a wide variety of diverse clients across different race, cultures, sexuality, genders, and socioeconomic spectrum. I’ve worked with clients on issues such as, mood disorders, severe mental illness, addiction, chronic illness, and parenting."


 

 



 
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03/28/20 07:04 PM #1    

Sammie Siddiqui (2019)

Such sad horrible news I give my condolences to her family friends and loved ones may she rest peacefully. 


03/28/20 10:53 PM #2    

Cathy Cordova (1965)

Deeply sorry for your significant loss, my thoughts and prayers for Natash'a family and friends. The families advise for all of us is wise, and I am grateful for the guidance that can surely save some lives. Rest In Peace Natasha. 

Cathy Cordova, Class of 1965


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