TRAGIC NEWS Young dad dies on his first Father's Day

A young dad passed away suddenly on what was supposed to be his first Father’s Day.

Ben Ihlow, 30 from Victoria, tragically died on Sunday after a week-long battle with the flu, leaving behind his wife, Samantha and 10-month-old son, Andrew.

Mr Ihlow’s uncle, Neil Adams, said he became ill with a ‘bit of a bug’ on Monday, before being taken to emergency on Friday, Seven News reports.

‘Everyone’s in shock because it was sudden. He got sick on the Monday and just had a bit of a bug,’ he said.

‘It was his first Father’s Day, unfortunately he didn’t get to spend it with him.’

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YouCaring account donations can be made to support the family of Mr Ihlow.

He was the latest victim to be claimed by what has been one of the most disastrous flu seasons in history.

More than 12,000 cases have been reported in Victoria alone this year leading to a national shortage in the anti-viral drug Tamiflu.

A QLD teenager is also fighting for life in hospital just days after coming down with the flu.

Our deepest condolences are with the family, such a horrible season for the flu this Winter.

Please make sure you and your family seek medical treatment ASAP if you are unwell.

Share your comments below.

16 Comments

- - mom101628 said
  - 13 Feb 2018
    10:56 pm
Flu has been terrible this past year and they say it will be worse in the coming year. Do hope they get a better vaccine for the coming flu season.

- - irenet said
  - 26 Sep 2017
    3:39 pm
My deep condolences to Ben’s family.

- - mom94125 said
  - 17 Sep 2017
    8:35 pm
so scary! hopefully doctors can find a better vaccine against all flus and colds! a long way away but hopefully they can do it

- - cherz said
  - 09 Sep 2017
    9:53 pm
My thoughts and prayers are sent to this family also to the young Qld girl, wishing her a speedy recovery.
My son was struck down with the flu and after quite a while just as he was getting over it he came down with a second virus. Doctor prescribed Tamiflu but this medication made his symptoms worse ..the side effects were terrible.

- - serotonin said
  - 08 Sep 2017
    11:53 pm
I didn’t realise you could die from the flu like that! What a horrible tragedy, life can be incredibly cruel and hit the most kindest people hard. R.I.P.

- - country chick said
  - 08 Sep 2017
    7:37 am
Horrible. So sad for the family

- - mom206279 said
  - 08 Sep 2017
    7:14 am
How terrible. My heart breaks for his family.

- - Ellen said
  - 08 Sep 2017
    3:26 am
How tragic is this !
My thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.
Shocking how aggressive this flu was this winter !

- - Mum2archer said
  - 07 Sep 2017
    10:18 pm
So devastating. Thoughts and prayers to the family

- - mom160421 said
  - 07 Sep 2017
    9:14 pm
I have battled the worst cold I’ve ever had this year. It’s frightening to think that a virus can take a life.

- - taynik46 said
  - 07 Sep 2017
    6:44 pm
oh my goodness this is so tragic, his poor wife, son and family – my hearts go out to them all

- - mom112217 said
  - 07 Sep 2017
    6:29 pm
So sad to read,my thoughts are with the family.

- - BellaB said
  - 07 Sep 2017
    5:37 pm
It’s particularly shocking when it’s someone relatively young.

- - nealsq said
  - 07 Sep 2017
    2:42 pm
Deepest condolences to all who loved him xx

- - nadine_hill said
  - 07 Sep 2017
    2:21 pm
This has certainly been the worst flu season I can recall – I was sick for months ….. I really can’t comprehend how in this day and age that flu could cause death – such an extremely sad and tragic outcome for this young man!

- - mom90758 said
  - 07 Sep 2017
    1:51 pm
This is so sad. Poor man!