At a Glance
- 4-year-old Elora “Ellie” Ann Rudd died from flu complications on January 6 at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City.
- She battled pneumonia, sepsis, internal bleeding, and ultimately blood clots that stopped blood flow to her brain.
- A GoFundMe has raised over $21,000 to cover medical bills and funeral costs.
- Why it matters: The sudden loss highlights how quickly flu can turn fatal in young children, leaving families devastated and facing unexpected expenses.
A 4-year-old Utah girl who loved Frozen, Sour Patch Kids, and her three siblings has died from flu complications after a four-day fight for her life. Elora “Ellie” Ann Rudd passed away at 1:50 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, dressed in a blue princess gown given by hospital staff and cradled in her parents’ arms.
A Rapid Decline
Ellie was admitted to Primary Children’s Hospital on Friday, January 2. By Sunday, her mother, Sarah Rudd of Ogden, posted on Facebook that Ellie had developed pneumonia, sepsis, and internal bleeding. She was sedated, receiving antibiotics and blood thinners, and needed prayers.
Two days later, Ellie was removed from life support. Her aunt, Ranae, wrote on the family’s GoFundMe page that Ellie ultimately succumbed to blood clots in her heart and lack of blood flow to her brain. “She passed quickly,” Ranae said.
Remembering Ellie
Ellie’s obituary paints a picture of a vibrant child who loved:
- The song “You Are My Sunshine”
- The color pink
- Frozen
- Sour Patch Kids
- Her siblings: older sister Mary Jane, younger brother Kyler, and baby sister Danielle
She is survived by her parents, Sarah and Michael Rudd, her three siblings, and extended family.
Community Response
Ranae launched a GoFundMe to help with mounting medical bills and funeral costs. In less than a week, more than $21,000 has been donated. “We love and miss our sweet Ellie more than words can describe,” Ranae wrote. “Thank you for thinking of us and thank you for helping keep the memory of our sweet girl alive.”
Key Takeaways
- Flu complications can escalate rapidly in young children
- Ellie’s story underscores the importance of monitoring symptoms and seeking immediate care
- Community support can ease the financial burden on grieving families
