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Family in shock after retired MSP sergeant, wife die from COVID-19 within days

Michigan State Police mourn the death of JJ Smith, wife Gloria

A retired Michigan State Police sergeant and his wife died just days apart.

ORIGINAL STORY: Retired MSP sergeant dies from COVID-19 days after wife’s death

Jessica Snell and her brother Jeffery Smith Jr. said it was the worst two weeks of their lives. They lost their father and step-mother within days from COVID-19.

In mid-March, JJ Smith was admitted to the hospital. He had suffered from diabetes for years and when his conditioned worsened, he was taken into the ICU. A week later, his wife Gloria starting feeling ill.

The family said she was having the same symptoms JJ Smith was having when he was taken to the hospital.

Gloria was eventually placed on a ventilator and the couple both tested positive for coronavirus. Within six days of being admitted, Gloria died.

JJ Smith was still in the ICU and seemed to be recovering, but a week after Gloria died, he passed away.

“They were the epitome of love and everlasting love,” Snell said.

The family said JJ Smith was a devoted father and a dedicated police sergeant.

As of Sunday, April 5, at 3 p.m. there were 15,718 confirmed cases in the state of Michigan.

Anyone who believes they might have coronavirus should follow the CDC guidelines. Michigan.gov has a list of resources available to those concerned about COVID-19.

More information on coronavirus (COVID-19):


About the Authors
Priya Mann headshot

Priya joined WDIV-Local 4 in 2013 as a reporter and fill-in anchor. Education: B.A. in Communications/Post Grad in Advanced Journalism

Dane Kelly headshot

Dane is a producer and media enthusiast. He previously worked freelance video production and writing jobs in Michigan, Georgia and Massachusetts. Dane graduated from the Specs Howard School of Media Arts.

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