Mexicali singer dies from infection and COVID-19 complications

Mexicali native Jerry Demara competed on "The Voice Mexico" - CBS 13's Alexandra Rangel has his story

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - A local artist from Mexicali has died from complications of a flesh-eating bacteria coupled with COVID-19 symptoms.

Jerry Demara, a local vocalist and Mexicali native, was known internationally for being a contestant on the Voice Mexico. Demara died at an Imperial County hospital Monday.

Just days before his death, 42-year-old Demara posted a video on Facebook that shows his agonizing pain.

Demara’s family says injecting himself with vitamins led to a serious infection - necrotizing fasciitis. It's a flesh-eating bacteria that moves quickly and can be deadly if not treated quickly.

The singer woke up Friday morning with unbearable pain in his leg from the skin infection. To make matters worse, Demara’s son says his dad also started showing COVID-19 symptoms.

The singer underwent surgery for the infection, but suffered complications. He did not survive.

“My dad wasn't there for COVID, we later found out he had tested positive, but he was there because of the pain he had on his leg. The doctors said he died from necrotizing fasciitis, that bacteria overtook his body and the COVID symptoms he was presenting were not in his favor, at that point he was too weak," said son Gera Demara Jr.

Gera says his dad’s death happened so quickly.

At 20-years-old and following in the footsteps of his dad …Gera says his priority is getting his family through this difficult time.

“He had so many accomplishments, so many goals that he was able to achieve in such a short time, things that he could have only dreamed of, he accomplished and that brings us a lot of comfort. Someone sent me a message that said “some people don't need to live a long life to accomplish their mission on earth", and I think my dad was one of those people, he completed his mission," said Gera.

Demara was a Latin Grammy-nominated artist who had collaborated and composed songs with some of the greats. Alejandra Guzman, Paulina Rubio, Larry Hernandez, Gerardo Ortiz, and Chiquis Rivera to name a few.

His passion for music began as a young boy playing for his church in Mexicali, he kicked off his career singing and touring with Los Tiranos del Norte, and had a successful solo career.

(Click here for Go Fund me Link)

The family has set up a Gofundme page to cover funeral costs that are still pending,