A baby who died of coronavirus before she turned five months old "went out looking like a princess" her firefighter dad said.
Jay-Natalie La Santa's heartbroken dad Jerel revealed he had bought a beautiful dress for his daughter, to attend his graduation as a fireman.
The ceremony due to take place in March, was postponed due to coronavirus.
In an emotional interview with the New York Post he said she never got to wear the dress to his graduation, but instead wore it for his own funeral.
Jay-Natalie's dad had bought her a rose-gold dress with glittered roses and he said: "She went out looking like a princess.
"She had such a beautiful white little casket because we didn’t want her in a body bag."
The devastated dad had just finished his first shift as a firefighter in The Bronx, New York when he found out his daughter had been taken to the hospital.
He said: “When I got to my car, there was a note from my mother - you know I couldn’t have my phone on because I’m the new guy - to go to the ER, she’s there.
"That’s one way to start my career."
The little tot had previously struggled with a heart condition and was diagnosed with bronchitis as well as having a fever.
She was tested for Covid-19 twice in six days before testing positive for the bug.
By April 4, Jay-Natalie had to be intubated, and on April 20 she died.
Jerel and Jay's mum Lindsey La Santa were able to say goodbye to their daughter in an informal funeral ceremony, the official funeral service will be held on May 2.
