Feb 28, 2009 11:19 pm US/Eastern
Teen Laid To Rest After Fatal Flu Battle
Reporting
Adam May
MOUNT AIRY, Md. (WJZ) ―
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Zac Weiland was laid to rest Saturday after dying from the flu.
CBS
As the temperatures begin to drop again, medical experts want you to do everything you can to stay healthy.
Adam May reports the warning comes as a 15-year-old boy is laid to rest after battling a fatal case of the flu.
The service started at 3 p.m. Saturday in Walkersville. Friends and family members say they've been grieving all week, but now they're ready to celebrate Zachary Weiland's life.
Inside the Calvary Assembly of God in Walkersville, more than 600 family members and friends remembered Zac.
It was an undoubtable testament to how many lives he touched.
"He would say it's the bomb. He would be loving it, he really would. He was all about the party, all about the fun, loved people so, so much and he would just be very touched by all of this," said Lisa Weiland, mother.
"Zac went through trials like the many of us, but what separated him from the pack is that Zac overcame those trials one by one and kept God his center focus," said a friend.
A student at the Mount Airy Christian Academy, Weiland aspired to become a pastor. Those who knew him say you couldn't find a more outgoing teenager.
He played four sports, was an avid musician and went on mission trips.
"He was taught through his school and through our pastor the word of God and the principles of God, and he lived that and he was an example. And we had 15 plus years of blessings," said Robert D'Andrea, grandfather.
It was Feb. 16 when Weiland first showed flu symptoms, but they worsened rapidly. Just six days later, he passed away from influenza B. Family members say doctors explained they tried everything, but the flu was just too violent.
For those who Weiland left behind, a day to say good-bye became a day to celebrate.
"When he entered a room, you knew it -- not only by his volume, but you knew it by his smile and just his presence. He made himself known and walked into a room with a hug and a greeting for everyone and just loved people," said Lisa.
Weiland is the second young person in Maryland to lose his life this year to the flu. Just days before he did, a 13-year-old died from catching the flu.
Nationwide, 11 young people have died from the flu this year.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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