Claim Ties Trump Resort To Peninsula Coronavirus Death: Report

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A claim filed last week alleges a Peninsula limo driver who died from the coronavirus contracted the illness from Brazilian diplomats who had been guests at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Calixto Villanueva, 67, died of coronavirus-related illness on March 27 according to the report.

The Pacific Workers’ of Oakland filed a claim seeking unspecified damages against the limo company’s insurer, Liberty Mutual, on behalf of Villanueva’s widow, the report said.

Villanueva’s stepson is Nico Santos, an actor who appeared in the film “Crazy Rich Asians,” among other productions.

Villanueva picked up diplomats from a San Francisco International Airport on March 8 according to the report.

The diplomats were part of a contingent of which several people tested positive for the virus according to published reports.

Villanueva’s wife, Tita Santos, become sickened with the coronavirus too, and due to debilitating symptoms was unable to communicate with her husband during the final days of his life according to the report.

Nico Santos wrote about the impact of the illness in an Instagram post earlier this year.

“The loss of my stepfather is devastating but what has gutted me is that this pandemic has kept my family apart,” Nico Santos’ post said.

“We were unable to be with him during his last days. I can’t hold my mother as she mourns her husband. I can’t hug my brother as he contemplates a world without his father. I can’t wipe away the tears from my nephews’ eyes as they wonder why their Lolo Sonny isn’t here anymore.”

Read more in the San Jose Mercury News

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This is my stepdad Sonny and my mom Tita. My Tito Sonny passed away yesterday after losing his battle with COVID-19. He was a kind, caring man. Friendly to a fault. He always greeted strangers walking past him with a chipper ‘Good Morning!’ and a big smile. He had a great laugh that filled the room with joy. My mom is also fighting COVID-19. For the time being, she has not required hospitalization. The loss of my stepfather is devastating but what has gutted me is that this pandemic has kept my family apart. We were unable to be with him during his last days. I can’t hold my mother as she mourns her husband. I can’t hug my brother as he contemplates a world without his father. I can’t wipe away the tears from my nephews’ eyes as they wonder why their Lolo Sonny isn’t here anymore. I want to thank everyone of you who offered up prayers, love and assistance to our family during this difficult time. Please continue to pray and send healing energy to my mom. I hope all of you are staying safe and healthy. Rest In Peace Tito Sonny. I love you.
A post shared by Nico Santos (@nicosantos) on Mar 28, 2020 at 10:21pm PDT