RALEIGH, N.C. — Before passing away from COVID-19, a friend and colleague says an Apex teacher expressed regret over not getting vaccinated.

Prior to her death, Merridith Mongone, 43, was a wife, mother to four daughters and a fourth grade teacher at Scotts Ridge Elementary.

Mongone caught the virus in early August after a trip to Charlotte. Her condition quickly worsened, and she was brought to UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill for treatment.

A close friend and fellow teacher, Christi Vereckey, says Mongone texted her before passing away saying she wished she'd gotten the vaccine.

"We're just trying to remember what an amazing teacher she was," Vereckey said. "And thinking, she's got to be teaching those kids in heaven, looking down on her family, taking care of them."

Vereckey is vaccinated and plans on getting the booster shot soon.

She believes Mongone​ would want to encourage others to get the vaccine before it's too late​.

Vereckey has created a GoFundMe to help with the family's expenses.

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