Funeral Arrangements
Funeral arrangements have been made in Kimberly Young’s hometown of Wayne, Ohio.
• Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at the Barndt Funeral Home, 121 W South St.
• Funeral services are being held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Mount Zion United Brethren Church, 7481 Bays Road.
OXFORD — Friends say the Miami University graduate who died this week after reportedly suffering from swine flu delayed getting medical treatment because she did not have health insurance.
News of Kimberly Young’s death Wednesday, Sept. 23, came as a shock to those who knew the vibrant 22-year-old who was working at least two jobs in Oxford after graduating with a double major in December 2008.
Young became ill about two weeks ago, but didn’t seek care initially because she didn’t have health insurance and was worried about the cost, according to Brent Mowery, her friend and former roommate.
Mowery said Young eventually went to an urgent care facility in Hamilton where she was given pain medication and then sent home.
On Tuesday, Sept. 22, Young’s condition suddenly worsened and her roommate drove her to McCullough Hyde Memorial Hospital in Oxford, where she was flown in critical condition to University Hospital in Cincinnati.
“That’s the most tragic part about it. If she had insurance, she would have gone to the doctor,” Mowery said.
Family members indicated that Young died from complications from the H1N1 virus, but the Ohio Department of Health, the Hamilton County Health District and the Butler County Health Department were unable to confirm she had been infected with the virus.
Bret Atkins, of ODH, said late Thursday afternoon that his department had not received a specimen yet to test for the H1N1 virus. If it is confirmed, Young would be the fourth Ohioan to die from the virus and the second from Butler County.
Young, known as “Kimi” to her friends and family, graduated from Elmwood High School in Wayne, Ohio, and earned a bachelor of arts in international studies and a bachelor of fine arts, while minoring in French and Spanish.
Miami grad recalled as a vibrant, exceptional young woman
Those who knew Kimi Young say she was a vibrant and exceptional person, in academics and as a friend.
The 22-year-old’s death Wednesday from complications possibly caused by the swine flu, came after she suffered symptoms for several days but had nothing more than fever reducers to combat the virus, according to friends.
“I just can’t believe this has happened,” said Dr. Jeanne Hey, director of international studies at Miami and mentor to Young.
“She was just a presence on this campus. She organized trips. A lot of people knew her because she was so active.”
Young, who studied French, Spanish and earned two degrees at Miami — international studies and fine arts photography, was an active member of the Students for Peace and Justice and the Association of Latin American Students.
The Wayne, Ohio, native was still in Oxford after graduating in 2008 because she wasn’t able to find the right job. Hey said this past summer, Young was debating pursuing a graduate degree or working for a nonprofit organization.
“She had an incredible commitment to social justice,” Hey said. “She was a person with a huge heart and a very free spirit as well. She really cared about people here and around the world.”
Young traveled twice to Latin America to explore human rights issues, and helped organize the spring break trips as part of the Students for Peace and Justice, said Walt Vanderbush, club adviser and professor of political science and Latin American studies.
Vanderbush, who wrote letters of recommendation for Young, said she contributed greatly on the trips, taking photos and later making presentations in her classes.
Young lived in an off-campus apartment and had been working at least two jobs — four years at the Kofenya coffee shop and nearly three years at the Bagel & Deli, both on High Street in uptown Oxford.
At the Bagel & Deli, a memorial sign in the window reads, in part: “In a world where happiness comes with such a price, you made everyone richer by just being you. Life just isn’t the same without you, friend.”
Employee Mallory Naber said those who knew “Kimi” were devastated by her passing.
“It’s been very hard for everyone who knew her,” she said.
At a busy Kofenya coffee shop Thursday afternoon, Young’s friends and co-workers wrote messages in a memorial book that will be given to her family. By the register, a small memorial consisted of candid photos and messages to Young, “the best barista.”
Brent Mowery, a friend and former roommate, said Young was planning to move in October to join the arts scene in Philadelphia.
Mowery said he last saw Young the day before she got sick, about two weeks ago.
He said she was experiencing serious flu symptoms but didn’t seek medical treatment because she didn’t have health insurance.
“She was the most fun person to be with. The most energetic,” he said. “Everyone will tell you she was just a great person. She was always out and about. As long as it was with people, that was the most important thing.”
Steve Cupp, owner of the Vertigo tattoo parlor next door to the bagel shop, got to know Young while hanging out during breaks from work.
“Kimi was the sweetest girl. Honest as the day is long. A real treat to be around,” Cupp said.
Cupp echoed what others have said, that Young was reluctant to get care because she didn’t have insurance. He said her death has raised the alert level among students who come into his shop.
“I tell them, if you start feeling like you have symptoms, go get help. Call mom,” Cupp said.
Reports of swine flu cases at the student health center have tapered off since the beginning of the semester, said Miami spokeswoman Claire Wagner.
As of Tuesday, there were 38 active H1N1 cases among the 341 total cases that have been reported since Aug. 21, Wagner said.
Professors have been advised to be flexible with assignments and attendance, as students are told to “self isolate” while experiencing flu symptoms. Students shouldn’t return to class until 24 hours without a fever and without medication, Wagner said.
About the Author