'Soulmate' Couple Dies of COVID-19 Shortly After Being Reunited in Hospital

After being married for more than 40 years, a couple died of COVID-19 within seconds of each other in the same hospital.

William and Carol Stewart met when they were only 4 years old and were married for 44 years, according to WMUR. The couple contracted COVID-19 in December and when their beds were placed side by side at the hospital, William died right after they joined hands, with his wife following 10 seconds later.

"They were the true definition of soulmates because it's like having love birds. You can't just buy one: You've got to buy both," their daughter, Melissa Noke, told WMUR.

The family of eight all tested positive for COVID-19, and Noke said her parents weren't vaccinated. Nearly 88 percent of America's population over the age of 65 is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the demographic has the largest percentage of people boosted against the virus.

Although vaccines are believed to be less effective against Omicron, officials are urging people to still get vaccinated because some protection is better than no protection. Studies have also found that boosters provide significant protection against the newest variant, as well.

Noke encouraged others to get vaccinated but told WMUR that the family is grateful the couple is no longer suffering. After being diagnosed with COVID-19, the couple went to the hospital, where Carol spent two weeks on life support and Bill spent eight days. Toward the end of his life, Bill suffered from lung, kidney and renal failure.

The couple both underwent procedures to remove mucus pockets to help their airways, according to a GoFundMe, and struggled with fluctuating blood pressure. While their family wasn't able to be at the hospital with them, their daughters were able to video chat with their parents and believe it helped them.

On the day the couple died, the family was able to go to the Parkland Medical Center in Derry, New Hampshire, and witness them being wheeled down the hallway to a room, where they were reunited.

"I truly believe that the power of prayers and all the kind words that have been shared over the past few weeks is what kept them fighting," an update on the GoFundMe said. "It also kept us hopeful for the best.… We never really have enough time with our loved ones."

The couple didn't have life insurance, so they're raising funds on GoFundMe to help cover medical expenses and the cost of funerals for the couple.