DALLAS — A Parker County widow believes her husband died from West Nile Virus. 

After running multiple tests, Dandra Hopps says she couldn’t believe what doctors said her husband contracted.

“Doctor came in and said, 'it’s West Nile,' and I said, 'no, no, no,' because tomorrow you’re going to come in and say we’re sorry, but that’s not what it is,” Hopps said.

Just weeks before their trip to the hospital, Gary Hopps, her husband of 30 years, was weeding their lawn. A couple of days later, he felt sick. 

“He couldn’t eat that night. So then he started vomiting and running fever. And then Thursday morning we had a doctor’s appointment, but I called the doctor and he said, 'get him to the E.R.'” Hopps said. 

Gary’s health declined. He couldn’t speak or walk. Then he was transferred to the ICU at Medical City in Fort Worth.

After three weeks of hospital care and a spinal tap, Dandra Hopps said doctors confirmed to her he contracted the deadly West Nile Virus.

“Then when they said it was West Nile, they took the incubation off and then put him on comfort care. And then that Tuesday or that Thursday, they released him and I brought him home, and he passed away that Saturday, June the 29,” Hopps said. 

At 67 years old, Gary passed away in his Springtown home, just outside of Fort Worth. 

“My husband was a very king, loving soul. He made me who I am today,” Dandra Hopps said. 

Dandra Hopps said she’s still awaiting the Texas Department of State Health Services to confirm Gary contracted West Nile Virus, which would be the first death this year in Texas.

According to State Health Services, there were 13 deaths in Texas from West Nile virus last year. 

Dandra Hopps is sharing her story to urge others to be safe and protect themselves against mosquitoes.  

“The only reason why I come outside is because I use lavender oil. Other than that, I’m afraid to come outside,” she said.