A Fairfield County trainer has died from COVID-19 at just the age of 30, and his family says he was healthy and had no underlying conditions.

"He had the biggest heart. His smile would light up any room," says Melissa Castiglia, Dan Spano's sister.

Spano, of Norwalk, was a personal trainer and co-owner of the GYMGUYZ franchise. He tested positive for the virus in mid-March, then quarantined at home with a fever, cough and extreme fatigue.

"This virus doesn't discriminate," Castiglia says. "It's not just attacking older people. It's not just attacking people with immune disorders."

Spano was rushed to Norwalk Hospital with breathing problems and put on a ventilator. He died a week and a half later.

 

His family could only say goodbye through an iPad held up to him by hospital staff. Spano's loved ones are trying to prevent other people from going through what they have.

"It's something you just don't want to happen to anyone else," says Jimmy Bonavita, Spano's friend and business partner.

They're pushing people to stay home if they can and practice social distancing.

"It's important and it's not just for you," says Sam Langer, another friend and business partner of Spano's. "It's for the people around you."

Castiglia is also encouraging those who've recovered to consider donating plasma. Her brother died the day before he was set to get that treatment, which family had hoped would help him turn the corner.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help Spano's family cover medical and funeral expenses.