As the number of coronavirus cases in Orange County continues to rise, Newburgh and New Windsor were left devastated after the sudden loss of two of their community members.

"He was a great friend, he was a great neighbor, he was a top-notch father, and he was an amazing husband," said Caridad Jimenez, a family friend of Rolando Aravena, who died Sunday. "Anything that he could have done in his power to make his family happy, he did."

Aravena, known as "Sonny," was a 44-year-old father of five from New Windsor who had no underlying health conditions. After feeling ill more than a week ago, Sonny and his wife tried to get him tested, but Spectrum News is told they were turned away three times.

"His wife really tried.  She took him to the hospital, she cared for him, they quarantined like they were told to, and he was pretty much left to die because by the time that they saw that there was something wrong, it was too late," said Jimenez.

We're told Sonny was tested for the flu and given a chest x-ray, but was sent home. Then, his symptoms got worse.

"Sunday is when he started to feel very, very ill. He couldn't breathe, so she took him to the hospital, and he didn't make it past that day," said Jimenez.

We reached out to Orange Regional Medical Center, the hospital Sonny and his wife visited several times.

In a statement, GHVHS Spokesperson Rob Lee said, "ORMC is not a community coronavirus testing location such as the one New York State has by appointment at the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, located off the Palisades Interstate Parkway. When a seriously ill patient presents to the Emergency Department, we follow the CDC clinical criteria for considering testing for COVID-19 based on what the CDC knows about the virus at this present time.

"Doctors use their clinical judgment to determine if a patient has signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and whether the patient should be tested. Most patients with confirmed COVID-19 have developed fever and/or symptoms of acute respiratory illness such as cough and difficulty breathing. We then appropriately triage those patients.

"Admitted patients are often extremely ill or those who are at highest risk of complication, often 65 years of age and older with symptoms or patients with underlying health conditions with symptoms. However, not everyone who is COVID-19 positive requires hospitalization."

Now, Aravena's wife Melody will have to raise their five kids without him.

"She lost the best part of her; he was her soul mate, he was her rock," said Jimenez.

A family man, he also dedicated his free time as a basketball coach for the Hudson Valley Panthers of Newburgh. Jimenez and another friend have created a GoFundMe page to help support Sonny's family. In less than 24 hours, they surpassed their $50,000 goal.

"The amount of money, the amount of messages we've been receiving, really shows that he was an amazing person, and his life was cut too short," said Jimenez.

The community of Newburgh has also lost one of its leaders to COVID-19.

Susan Prokosch was the vice president of the School Board and a teacher in the district for more than 40 years.

In a statement, Newburgh Superintendent Roberto Padilla and School Board President Carole Mineo said, “During this tough time, we will remember the service that Sue gave to our community, while continuing to be resilient during this difficult time, as that is what Sue would have wanted."

"Sue had a very rational mind," said Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey. "When she sat on that school board, she never rushed a judgment on matters that were in heavy debate."

Now both communities are left wondering how to move forward.

"Be an advocate for yourself if you know that you're not feeling well, because many families are being destroyed with this," said Jimenez.

To donate to the GoFundMe established for The Aravena family, click this link.