A five-year-old boy has died after battling a severe case of influenza, his father announced this week, as public health officials warn that flu activity remains high or very high in much of the United States.
The child’s death has drawn widespread attention online after his father, international speaker and influencer Paul Kim, shared emotional updates about his son’s condition and final days on social media. The boy, Micah, died on Dec. 31, 2025, following nearly two weeks of illness and complications related to the flu, according to posts shared by his family.
Kim, who speaks publicly about the Catholic Christian faith and has hundreds of thousands of followers, described the loss as the most difficult experience of his life.
Paul Kim speaks during a public faith event prior to sharing news of his son’s death
A Father’s Announcement
Kim confirmed his son’s death in a video stream posted on Jan. 1, thanking supporters around the world who had prayed for his family during Micah’s illness.
“We are so proud of him,” Kim said. “I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart as his dad, on behalf of my family, for all the ways you prayed and lifted us up during this time.”
He described the days surrounding his son’s passing as “an incredibly difficult, impossible time,” adding that the grief was ongoing.
Kim and his wife are parents to six children. Micah was their youngest.
A Rapid and Devastating Illness
According to Kim’s posts, Micah’s health began to deteriorate rapidly in mid-December. On Dec. 21, Kim said he rushed his son to the hospital by ambulance as his condition worsened.
The following day, Kim shared an update stating that doctors had found no detectable brain activity. He asked supporters to pray for a miracle as Micah received religious rites in the hospital.
On Dec. 23, Kim reported that his son underwent surgery related to internal complications. Clergy members visited the family to pray with them, anoint Micah, and offer sacraments.
By Dec. 30, Kim shared a photo of his son on life support, writing that “hundreds of thousands of people” were praying for Micah around the world.
Exterior of a hospital where the family said their son was receiving treatment
Death Confirmed on New Year’s Eve
Micah died on Dec. 31, after being ill for approximately eleven days, Kim said. In a farewell message posted afterward, the grieving father cited a passage from the Book of Job: “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Kim described his son as a source of light and faith, saying he believed Micah’s life had already impacted others despite his young age.
“Micah is already in Heaven at work,” Kim said in a later message. “So many testimonies, so many ways in which God is using the light in my five-year-old to truly change lives.”
Flu Activity Remains Elevated Nationwide
Micah’s death comes amid a challenging flu season across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza activity is currently classified as “high” or “very high” in more than half of U.S. states.
As of data collected through Dec. 20, federal estimates show at least 7.5 million flu-related illnesses nationwide this season, along with approximately 81,000 hospitalizations and roughly 3,100 deaths.
Of those deaths, the CDC reports that at least five were children.
Public health officials stress that while most flu cases are mild, young children, older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions face a higher risk of severe complications.
CDC influenza activity map showing widespread flu transmission across the United States
Experts Urge Vigilance During Peak Season
Doctors note that flu symptoms in children can escalate quickly, sometimes leading to complications such as pneumonia, organ stress, or neurological effects.
Health officials continue to urge families to seek medical care promptly if children show signs of severe illness, including difficulty breathing, persistent fever, or unusual lethargy.
The CDC also recommends annual flu vaccination as the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death, particularly for children under five.
A Public Outpouring of Support
Kim’s updates drew an outpouring of support from followers across the globe. Messages of condolence and prayer flooded his social media accounts, with many parents expressing heartbreak and fear amid the ongoing flu season.
Kim, who has spoken about faith and family in churches and conferences across the United States and in more than a dozen countries, acknowledged the support repeatedly, saying it sustained his family during Micah’s final days.
“There are quite literally hundreds of thousands of people who are praying for Micah,” he wrote in one update. “We are forever indebted to you all.”
Faith in the Face of Loss
In the days following his son’s death, Kim continued to share reflections rooted in his faith, describing grief and belief as deeply intertwined.
While acknowledging the pain of losing a child, he said he found comfort in his religious convictions and in the belief that Micah’s life had purpose beyond its length.
Friends and followers praised Kim for speaking openly about grief, faith, and loss, noting that his posts resonated with families who have experienced similar tragedies.
A Stark Reminder This Flu Season
Micah’s death has become a stark reminder of the potential seriousness of influenza, especially during seasons when viral spread is widespread.
Health officials emphasize that while fatalities among children remain relatively rare, each case underscores the importance of prevention, early treatment, and public awareness.
As flu activity continues into the winter months, authorities urge families to remain cautious, follow medical guidance, and avoid delaying care when symptoms worsen.
For the Kim family, the focus now turns to mourning a child they described as joyful, faithful, and deeply loved — and to navigating life after a loss they say will forever shape them.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
