Breaking: HJISD band director dies after he was hospitalized with COVID-19

SOUTHEAST TEXAS — Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick confirms to KFDM/Fox 4's Angel San Juan that Michael Westbrook, the Hardin-Jefferson ISD band director, has died.

Westbrook, 54, was hospitalized last week in Beaumont and had recently tested positive for COVID-19.

The HJISD and Lumberton communities were praying for him, according to Lumberton School Superintendent Gerald Chandler.

Westbrook worked in the Lumberton ISD as a band director before joining HJISD.

"It's sad when a person we know closely has COVID-19," said Lumberton ISD Superintendent Gerald Chandler. "It brings it home. It's a reality. He and his entire family are wonderful people. His wife, Karen, works for our district. She's a teacher at the middle school. They have three children. His family cares about kids. They're active in our community. It's sad they're having to face this. I feel for the family. We're praying they get thru this."

"He's very well thought of in the community, he and his family," said Lumberton Police Chief Danny Sullins. "Many people are praying for him and pulling for him. He's a great guy. Everybody in town knows him and loves him. We're all praying for a speedy recovery."

"This all hits close to home for the people we love so much," said Lumberton Fire Chief Jeff McNeel. "It's someone's family, someone's loved one."

'3/26/2020 HJISD Announcement The District has been notified that District employee has been diagnosed respect the privacy this individual their family members, the District not to provide additional information about the situation at this However, please be assured that the District is cooperating with department assisting identifying individuals come contact this in recent Those individuals will notified so take the necessary precautions the themselves families. they The District campus of this employee was on the high school Monday, March Tuesday, March 17, present the high school necessary precautions for those dates should safety of themselves.'