Barton, Vermont - A small town in Vermont is mourning the death of a little girl. Kaylynne Matten died suddenly on December 6. Now, just days away from Christmas, people in Barton are honoring her in a very special way.
There's new meaning to the annual Christmas tree at the Circle K in Barton, this holiday. Instead of the usual green and red decorations, this year, its covered top to bottom in purple and blue. That's because they were 7-year-old Kaylynne Matten's favorite colors.
Her parents describe her as a shy, but sometimes, mischievous first grader. They say she was also healthy, up until earlier this month.
Nicole Matten says her daughter got the flu shot, on Friday, December 2. That weekend, Kaylynne came down with, what she thought, was a stomach bug. She says things got worse Tuesday morning and Kaylynne was rushed to the hospital. "Her hands were kind of purple," said Matten.
On the way to the hospital, Matten says her daughter stopped breathing. She says doctors tried everything, but couldn't save her. Now she's waiting for the medical examiner's report to find out exactly what caused Kaylynne's death. The process could take two to three months.
She says she is suspicious that the flu shot may have contributed to Kaylynne's death. However, right now there's no way to be sure. Matten says Kaylynne has had flu shots before and never had a reaction.
While the family waits for answers, the community has rallied in support. The Barton Graded school, where Kaylynne went to school, made ornaments for the tree. The Mattens say, at such a difficult time, it's made all the difference.
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