His parents confirmed to ABC News that their son’s death was possibly due to COVID-19 after he experienced symptoms of the virus.
The news of his death sent shock waves through the entire community who knew him and his family.
“It is very, very shocking, sad, crippling,” said Nicole Weinstein of Claremont.
Weinstein’s daughter attended El Roble primary and secondary school with Maxx and her twin brother Leo. All three were ready to start eighth grade in September.
“The moment I heard, it was like a big bright light had gone out. He had so much charisma, so much positive energy. He was class president last year,” Weinstein said.
The Cheng family says that Maxx became ill on July 4, but a COVID-19 test was negative.
They said they thought he was getting better after his fever dropped, his cough decreased, and he was breathing easier.
A GoFundMe account for Maxx describes him as a talented debater, mathematician, and swimmer with dreams of going to the Olympics.
“I feel like Maxx was one of us, he was one of our children, one of the best in Claremont and we are all very sad. Whether we knew him or not, he is one of our children, he is one of our youngsters.” Weinstein said.
The family tells ABC News that the coroner is conducting further tests to determine if their son’s death was caused by COVID-19.
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