Eighth-grade student, 13, in Missouri dies from COVID-19 ten days after testing positive and attending school in person

 An eighth-grade student from Missouri has died after suffering from complications brought on by the coronavirus. 

Peyton Baumgarth, 13, who attended Washington Middle School in Franklin County west of St. Louis, succumbed to the disease over the weekend after he developed COVID-19 symptoms.  

Peyton was last at school just ten days ago on October 22.

The school was informed on October 26, and Baumgarth was then admitted to hospital as his symptoms gradually grew worse.    

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Peyton Baumgarth, 13, an eighth grader in Franklin County, Missouri has died

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The teen was suffering from complications caused by the coronavirus

'We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family,' school officials said in an email to parents and staff. 

'The family also asks that we all remember to wear masks, wash hands frequently and follow guidelines,' the school said.

'COVID-19 is real and we want to remind students and parents to take these precautions in and outside of school.' 

'Because we know this will impact our school community emotionally, we encourage you to be especially sensitive and prepare to offer support to your children during this difficult time,' the school said. 

Peyton's death is the first under-18 in the state of Missouri. Peyton's last day at school was October 22 before his condition gradually grew worse forcing him to be hospitalized

Grief counselors are to be provided to students when they finally return to the school in a few weeks time.

A GoFundMe page has also been set up in Peyton's memory where the teen was described as a 'wonderful young man, who always had a smile to share with you.'

'He was so very sweet and caring and FUN,' the page reads. 'He loved Christmas, video games, and enjoyed making YouTube videos, playing Pokemon GO, playing football and being with his family.'

Missouri's health department state that five people between the ages of 18 and 24 have died from the virus so far. 

Peyton's death would be the first under-18 in the state. 

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A GoFundMe account has been set up in his memory which has raised $13,000. He is pictured here with his mother

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Peyton is pictured alongside his father 

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Washington Middle School in Franklin County west of St. Louis has been closed as a result of Peyton's death