Update 8:30 p.m. Officials at Canyon Creek Memory Care announced on Facebook a second COVID-19-related death Thursday night, bringing the total to 15 at the facility.
No other details were available about the person's age or gender.
"We are saddened to share that two of our dear residents who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 have passed away. We all mourn the loss of these residents and express our deepest sympathy to the families impacted. Our senior residents are family, not merely numbers on a page. Our team of serving hearts is fiercely working to care for residents during this unprecedented time," Canyon Creek wrote on its Facebook page.
Yellowstone County now has 21 COVID-19-related deaths since the start of the pandemic.
Here's the full post:
BILLINGS - Yellowstone County health officials announced Thursday another COVID-19 related death connected to a deadly outbreak at a Billings care facility.
According to a RiverStone Health press release, a man in his 70s died Wednesday at Canyon Creek Memory Care, marking the 14th person to die following an outbreak of coronavirus at the facility.
Here's the full press release:
RiverStone Health, Yellowstone County’s public health department, is reporting another COVID-19 related death stemming from the outbreak at Canyon Creek Memory Care.
On Wednesday, July 22, a man in his 70s passed away at Canyon Creek Memory Care.
To protect the privacy of the deceased man and his family, RiverStone Health will release no further information.
This most recent death in Yellowstone County is reflected on today’s state COVID-19 tracking map. Since the first deaths at Canyon Creek were announced on Monday, July 6, there have been a total of 14 residents that have passed away due to COVID-19 related illness.
To date, 96 people associated with Canyon Creek Memory Care have tested positive for COVID-19 – 56 residents and 40 staff members.
“The harsh reality of the increasing number of deaths in this senior care residence is heartbreaking, but our pain is nothing compared to every family member who has lost someone to this tragic disease. We wish everyone who has lost someone to COVID-19 comfort and peace as they mourn loved ones,” said John Felton, Yellowstone County health officer and RiverStone Health president and CEO.
To date, 780 Yellowstone County residents have been infected with COVID-19 and 20 have died.
RELATED: Daughter of Billings memory care resident praises staff in wake of COVID-19 outbreak