Loved ones and community members in the City of Newburgh are mourning the loss of a 6-year-old – who officials say died of a strep infection just before Christmas.   

A GoFundMe for Joaquin Flores’ family says the boy will be remembered for his bright smile and as a friend to many.  

City of Newburgh officials and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office say the child died on Dec. 23 after becoming sick.  

News 12 is told Flores went to Horizons-on-Hudson Elementary School, and that comfort blankets and therapy dogs were brought in to help his young classmates with their grief.

Authorities said last week that the child’s death is under investigation but have not responded to our follow up calls for additional information.

The boy is the second child to die suddenly in Newburgh in recent days.