A longtime employee of a southern Kentucky nursing home hit hard by an outbreak of COVID-19 has died after testing positive for the virus.

Pamela L. Hughes, who had worked at Summit Manor in Adair County since 1988 as a nursing assistant and medication aide, died Monday, according to a news release from Signature HealthCARE, which operates the facility.

As of Monday, 37 residents and eight staff members at Summit Manor had tested positive for the virus, making it one of the larger nursing home outbreaks in Kentucky. One resident has died.

Hughes apparently is the first nursing home worker to die of the virus that so far has resulted in deaths of 30 residents and infected 182 residents and 117 workers, according to the state's latest figures Monday.

Betsy Johnson, president of the Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities, which represents nursing homes, said she wasn't aware of any other deaths of staff from COVID-19 since the outbreak began.

Hughes' death was a blow to the Summit Manor staff and residents, as well as to her family, which allowed Signature to release information about her death, according to the company that operates multiple nursing homes and rehabilitation centers in Kentucky.

"It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that Signature HealthCARE of Summit Manor confirms the loss of one its most valued and dedicated staff members," it said.

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Steven Cook, a regional vice president with Signature, described Hughes as a beloved and reliable worker at Summit Manor.

"Her loyalty and dependability shined as bright as the smile she always had serving our residents," Cook said.

Cook described Hughes as a mother with nieces and nephews whom she treated as her own children.

"She gave that same love to our residents, and they adored her," he said.

Margaret Jones, a nurse at Summit Manor who knew Hughes, described her as a faithful worker who rarely called in sick during her 32 years at Summit Manor.

"Whether it be her patients, co-workers, or family, she strived to help however she could, Jones said.

Signature described the death as "devastating."

"But it also gives us the continued resolve, in Pam's honor, to remain stronger than ever and fight this viral enemy that changes and affects us all, every day."

This story may be updated.

Read more:Kentucky nursing home COVID-19 victim died with only a nurse by his side, family says

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