Two Heroes: The Navajo Nation Mourns Sisters Who Both Died From COVID-19 in April

Two more members of the Navajo Nation, sisters, have died as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the nation.

The Navajo Nation Council announced that both Corrina and Cheryl Thinn have died after contracting COVID-19 in April.

Both sisters dedicated their lives to helping their people, and making the community a better place. 

Navajo Nation Speaker Seth Damon said in a statement, “Both sisters served the Navajo Nation on the frontlines for the health and safety of our communities. On behalf of the Navajo Nation Council, I extend my deepest condolences to the friends and family of Corrina and Cheryl, each taken by the coronavirus.” 

Corrina was a senior officer with the Tuba City District after working as an officer with the Navajo Nation Police Department for over a decade. She earned a master’s degree in social work and worked in several health centers serving Native American communities. 

Cheryl worked as a juvenile detention officer in the Navajo Nation and was also an emergency medical service member. Additionally, she worked for the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation, according to the Navajo Nation.

“As Ni’hookáá’ Bíla’ashdla’ii Diyin Dine’é, we look to our heroes for the guidance and teachings —
Dinéjí na’nitin — to lead lives of courage and purpose. Corrina and Cheryl Thinn are our heroes that have
given their lives in the course of duty. We thank them and pray that their service and memory lives on
through us,” stated Council Delegate Otto Tso.

Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty said, “In the spirit of k’é, I call on all our relatives to honor Cheryl and Corrina for their service to the Navajo
Nation and extend support to their families. They chose public service to protect and assist our families
who were in critical need. Many of our heroes on the Navajo Nation are social workers and those who
work on the frontlines as police or corrections officers. Their legacy will never be forgotten, and today we
honor Cheryl and Corrina.”

Corrina is survived by two sons, a grandson and a granddaughter. Cheryl is survived by her son. His father also passed away in Jan. 2020, the Navajo Nation said.

Donations to the family are being accepted via a GoFundMe page. 

The Office of the President and Vice President of the Navajo Nation’s press release stated there are 2,141 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Navajo Nation so far, including 71 deaths as of April 30. 

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