First U.S. death from presumed coronavirus case in Seattle-area, Washington health officials say. Governor declares state of emergency

The patient died at a hospital in Kirkland, Washington.

The first presumed death from coronavirus in the United States occurred just outside Seattle at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland, Washington. The cause must be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control, but the deceased patient and a second patient tested positive at the hospital. Public health officials in Seattle said the death happened Friday.

Governor Jay Inslee of Washington state has declared a state of emergency related to COVID-19, the coronavirus, directing state agencies to use the resources they need to prepare.

The patient's identity was not immediately clear. In an initial statement about the death from Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, the governor referred to the Washingtonian who died as a "Washington state man." State and King County officials later said it was a man in his late fifties with underlying medical condition.

Governor Jay Inslee said "it is a sad day in our state as we learn that a Washingtonian has died from COVID-19. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. We will continue to work toward a day where no one dies from this virus."

Inslee added "in partnership with the Washington State Department of Health, the Washington State Department of Emergency Management and local and community health partners, we are strengthening our preparedness and response efforts. I am committed to keeping Washingtonians healthy, safe and informed."

The news comes after two other diagnosed Coronavirus cases in King and Snohomish counties were announced Friday evening. Plus, a new case in Oregon and another in Northern California.

This post was updated to clarify the gender of the deceased patient.