‘Bernie Baby’, the 4-month-old whose Bernie Sanders outfit turned him into a viral sensation, died of SIDS in late February, his mother confirmed on Facebook. (Facebook)
NEW YORK – ‘Bernie Baby,’ the 4-month-old who rocketed to social media stardom after appearing at a Bernie Sanders event disguised as the 74-year-old presidential candidate, died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, his mother confirmed on Facebook Thursday.
“Oliver Jack Carter Lomas-Davis was an adorable infant who brought smiles to not only his family, but to millions online,” his family wrote in an online post.
‘Bernie Baby’ was discovered when his parents brought him to a Las Vegas campaign stop in February, dressed in a messy white wig, large black glasses and a red tie. A photo of Bernie Sanders holding Lomas-Davis went viral, and ‘Bernie Baby’ was born.
Shortly after, however, tragedy struck. On February 25, Lomas-Davis died of SIDS, his mother wrote on social media.
SIDS is caused by accidental suffocation, often while sleeping, and is responsible for roughly 3,500 deaths in the United States annually. Researchers believe soft bedding or another person rolling on top of the child are often to blame, according to the CDC.
According to a GoFundMe account created by Anastasia Lomas, the family is collecting funds to pay for the boy’s funeral:
This amazing little boy will be laid to rest at Forestlawn in the Hollywood Hills 6300 Forest Lawn Dr. , Los Angeles CA 90068. His wake and viewing will be held Monday the 7th from 5-9pm. Funeral service and burial to be held the day after at 12:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come. My sister as well as my family would appreciate it.