30-year-old man who led anti-mask efforts in Texas community dies of COVID-19

SAN ANGELO, Texas (AP) – A man who led his central Texas community’s efforts against wearing masks and other preventative measures during the coronavirus pandemic has died from COVID-19, a month after being admitted to the emergency room.

Caleb Wallace died on Saturday, his wife Jessica Wallace said on a GoFundMe page where she posted updates on his condition, the San Angelo Standard-Times reported on Saturday. He was 30 years old and the father of three children. His wife is pregnant with their fourth child.

“Caleb passed away peacefully. He will live forever in our hearts and minds,” wrote Jessica Wallace.

On July 4, 2020, Caleb Wallace helped organize “The Freedom Rally” in San Angelo. Those at the event carried signs criticizing the wearing of masks, business closures, the science behind COVID-19 and the liberal media. He also organized the group “Defenders of Freedom of San Angelo”.

“We’re not really happy with the current state of America right now,” Wallace said in July 2020.

In April, he wrote a letter to the San Angelo School District, asking them to cancel all of their COVID-19 protocols.

Jessica Wallace told the newspaper her husband began to experience symptoms of COVID-19 on July 26 but refused to be tested or go to the hospital. Instead, he took large doses of vitamin C, zinc aspirin, and ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug that health officials urged people not to take for COVID-19.

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Caleb Wallace was taken to the emergency room on July 30 and since August 8 he had been unconscious and on a ventilator.

A day before her death, Jessica Wallace posted on the family GoFundMe page that her husband “was an imperfect man but he loved his family and his little girls more than anything.”

“To those who wished him death, I am sorry that his views and opinions hurt you. I prayed that he would come out with a new perspective and a greater appreciation for life. can’t say much more because I can’t speak for him, “she said.