‘Below Deck Med’: Captain Sandy’s Girlfriend Leah Shafer Shares Her Father Has Died From COVID
Captain Sandy Yawn from Below Deck Mediterranean and her girlfriend Leah Shafer shared the somber news that Shafer’s father has died from COVID-19 (coronavirus).
“I’m beyond heartbroken!” Shafer shared on Dec. 5. “I lost my amazing father today to covid. He was a perfectly healthy man and in 3 weeks time the virus took him from us. It happened too fast! We are all in shock yet our faith in God has given us all peace.”
“Life will never be the same!” she continued. “I will miss his phone calls daily and him greeting me with his warm smile and hugs! My father loved unconditionally. He loved my mom more than anything and his kid’s and family. He was a true example of a man! He showed love and acceptance to all. He was our protector and comforter. I love you daddy! I will forever be your baby girl and hope I always make you proud. I will keep singing dad!”
The family was recently feeling optimistic
Shafer broke the news her father had contracted COVID in early Dec. Along with Yawn and her daughter, Shafer was in Arizona where her parents had only recently moved. She knew her father wouldn’t be thrilled that she was sharing his diagnosis but she was distraught.
“What can I say, this is my worst nightmare!!! No words!! I am currently in Arizona with Lolo and @captainsandrayawn to be with my mom during this horrible time! I am not able to work and cannot comprehend this entire situation. I’m just heartbroken beyond!!!” Shafer shared on Instagram.
She asked for prayers and posted a positive update from her mother on Dec. 4. “We are still in tender times and we have had some cautiously optimistic moments but it will all take time,” Shafer shared on Instagram from her mother. “I KNOW he feels your prayers so I ask that they continue. It is a long journey ahead but I do not feel alone. Our kids do not feel alone.”
The ‘Below Deck Med’ family sends their love
Fans and friends showed their support on Shafer’s posts, including Colin Macy-O’Toole and his mother Robin. “So sorry to hear this Leah! Thinking about you and Cap!” he wrote on Shafer’s final post.
“Sending you all the love and strength!” Christine “Bugsy” Drake wrote. “I’m so sorry to hear this devastating news Leah! May God hold you and your family in his arms and comfort you through this pain xx.”
Braunwyn Windham-Burke from The Real Housewives of Orange County, who has become a close friend, also expressed her condolences. “I am so sorry Leah, sending you so much love,” she wrote. Shafer connected Windham-Burke with Yawn and the couple helped her get sober.
Of course, Yawn has been by Shafer’s side the entire time, sharing her devastation. “Today #covid took @leahraeshaferofficial father,” Yawn shared. “He was healthy, he was a non smoker, not a big drinker, took daily walks, played golf and had no pre existing conditions. The #virus is wicked and took his life in 3 weeks time. Stay safe out there.”
