Paul Frishkorn, a Philadelphia-based American Airlines flight attendant and union representative, died Monday from coronavirus, the airline confirmed Thursday.

“Earlier this week, we lost a respected, longtime member of the American Airlines family, who tested positive for COVID-19,” a statement from American Airlines released Thursday read. “Our hearts go out to Paul’s loved ones, many of whom work for American.”

Lori Bassani, president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, which represents 27,000 flight attendants at American Airlines, said in a statement, “It is with deep sadness we report that one of our own … has passed away from Covid-19,”

Frishkorn, 65, was described as a tireless advocate for the flight attendant corps who was spending time in the Philadelphia crew room “answering questions and assisting our members through this difficult time” before he fell ill.

“Paul is the first of our colleagues to lose his life as a result of this deadly virus. We are deeply saddened and are reminded that no precaution is too much to take during this horrible time,” the statement from Bassani said.

Speaking by phone to USA TODAY, Bassani said that Frishkorn’s death has increased the already deep concern for flight attendants working amid the highly contagious virus.

“When this hits one of your own, it sheds a whole new light on the coronavirus,” said Bassani. “This does spread more fear among our ranks. This is a killer virus, unlike any we have experienced.