A young infant, who became a viral sensation on social media for his resemblance to Bernie Sanders, has tragically died, reportedly from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
According to the Huffington Post, Oliver Jack Carter Lomas-Davis was frequently dressed up by his mother Souxsie in a white messy wig, giant black glasses, and a Bernie Sanders button pinned to the front of his shirt. After posting the pictures of her son on Facebook, Oliver became known on social media as the “Bernie Baby.” Oliver actually got to meet his inspiration during a Sanders rally in Las Vegas in February. Bernie Sanders took several photos with his doppelganger, and later posted them to social media.
#berniebaby “all we need is love”…mommie loves you oliver! pic.twitter.com/i1hnZDTwmw
— Susan Lomas (@SusieLomas) March 3, 2016
During our recent canvassing trips to Nevada, Susan and Oliver partnered and helped knock on doors for Bernie. pic.twitter.com/WXCEStvBGT
— BernieSandersBrigade (@BSandersBrigade) February 28, 2016
Sadly, little Oliver died only a few weeks later. On February 25, Souxsie confirmed via Facebook that her son had passed away at only four months old. According to Souxsie, Oliver died from SIDS, which is the leading cause of death in children ages one month to one year old, and is responsible for the deaths of approximately 2,500 infants each year in the United States. The official definition of SIDS reads as follows.
“The sudden death of an infant under one year of age which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history.”
Souxsie shared the heartbreaking news , and the funeral arrangements, with her friends on Facebook. She posted an adorable photo of her “Bernie Baby,” along with a touching message about her son.
“Oliver Jack Carter Lomas…I love you dearly, I love you most. I love you with all my heart and soul. I know that God will keep you near since God and truth are here,” she wrote on February 29.
#berniebaby pic.twitter.com/F4apMw1WzH
— Susan Lomas (@SusieLomas) March 1, 2016
Funeral service company Forest Lawn confirmed Oliver’s funeral arrangements on their website. His obituary reads as follows.
“Oiver Jack Carter Lomas, born on October 17, 2015 in Santa Monica, California passed away February 25, 2016. He resided in Marina Del Rey, California at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California.”
The BernieSandersBrigade also honored the “Bernie Baby” on Twitter, asking their followers for a moment of silence for the little boy that captured the hearts of millions.
Our social media accounts will go silent for a period of time in memory of Little Oliver. pic.twitter.com/3MOX5ZDGwZ
— BernieSandersBrigade (@BSandersBrigade) February 28, 2016
We will miss LITTLE OLIVER. OLIVER will always be remembered as our youngest activist. pic.twitter.com/pVTtHTEX5n
— BernieSandersBrigade (@BSandersBrigade) February 28, 2016
In Loving Memory of Oliver Jack Carter Lomas You will always shine in our hearts! pic.twitter.com/MuMlzb56VX
— BernieSandersBrigade (@BSandersBrigade) February 28, 2016
Following the death of the “Bernie Baby,” Oliver’s Aunt Anastasia Lomas set up a GoFundMe account to help with the funds associated with the wake, funeral, and burial expenses and any counseling the family may need. The fundraiser goal was originally set at $16,000; however, that goal was surpassed in only five days. As of Thursday, March 3, 168 people had donated $17,335 to the Lomas family. The campaign will remain open until after Oliver’s burial. “Bernie Baby’s” wake and viewing will be held Monday, March 7, from 5-9 p.m., and his funeral service and burial will be held on March 8 at 12:30 p.m.
“The out pour of love and support has been overwhelmingly amazing!” the page reads. “Thank you to everyone for their donations, words of encouragement, and prayers. ”
[Photo via Facebook/ Souzsie Lomas]
