The family and loved ones of a 22-year-old Newburgh activist who came down with the flu and never recovered spoke exclusively to News 12 about the days leading up to her death.

Steven Majano, the boyfriend of Rebekah Grohl, says the young woman did not have the flu vaccine and tested positive Friday for Type B flu virus at urgent care.

Her family says she previously had been the picture of perfect health.

Once home, he says she started vomiting, quickly lost consciousness and was taken to St. Luke's Hospital where she was found to have severe brain swelling.

She also suffered from cardiac arrest on the way to Westchester Medical Center by ambulance.

While loved ones are grieving an unimaginable loss, her legacy as a community activist and budding behind-the-scenes political powerhouse is living on.

Legislator Kevindaryan Lujan first met Grohl in 2017 and hired her as his campaign manager.

"I got asked to run and didn't want to. She was the one who inspired me and said we need leaders from the community,” says Lujan. "She inspired me to be a better person, as she inspired so many other people."

Grohl’s loss has been felt throughout the community, and nearly $25,000 has been raised for her family within the last few days.

Her loved ones are now planning a remembrance ceremony in Newburgh on her birthday, Jan. 23.

Nearly 3,000 deaths nationwide have been blamed on the flu this season.

The CDC expects the virus to continue to spread for weeks and is urging everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated.

MORE: Flu blamed for death of 22-year-old political activist