West PA Native Emergency Room Doctor Dies Of Coronavirus

ESSEX COUNTY, N.J. -An emergency room doctor who was a Fayette County native died last week of complications from coronavirus. Frank Gabrin, 60, battled the virus on the frontlines at East Orange General Hospital until his death.

Gabrin's husband told NJ.com that the dedicated doctor – a two-time cancer survivor – hadn't been tested for COVID-19, but that they were sure he'd contracted the new coronavirus because he'd treated the same symptoms in his patients.

"He never complained about anything, he just wanted to work and help people," Gabrin's partner said, adding that the Manhattan resident often used the same N-95 masks and gowns at the hospitals where he worked.

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Friends told Fox5NY that Gabrin had reportedly been forced to use the same face mask for multiple shifts.

East Orange Mayor Ted Green offered a message of condolence on Gabrin's behalf:

"It is with a heavy heart that we learned of [Gabrin's] untimely passing due to complications related to COVID-19 and we are thankful for his unwavering dedication to serve the people of East Orange as we continue to battle this extremely challenging pandemic. Dr. Gabrin held true to his oath to serve the most vulnerable, and for that, our community will forever be in his debt. He was an example to us all, putting the lives of others ahead of his own."

Green commended other staff members at the hospital where Gabrin worked. "We also want to extend our gratitude and appreciation to the entire East Orange General Hospital community for their hard work and commitment to battling this public health emergency," the mayor wrote. "You are on the front lines of this crisis and know that we keep you in our thoughts and prayers every single day."

Written by Patch staffer Eric Kiefer.