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Homeless advocate fondly remembers first victim of COVID-19 in south Santa Barbara County

Leland and Deborah
Deborah Barnes

GOLETA, Calif. - We are learning more about the second person who died from coronavirus in Santa Barbara County.

Leland Goodsell preferred to be called "Hobo."

Deborah Barnes gained his trust more than a decade ago while she fed and helped the homeless by creating the nonprofit Worth Street Reach.

Barnes said Hobo was sick for weeks, but chose not to go to the hospital.

She said he worried he wouldn't come out and he worried about his beloved dog Dreamer.

On Saturday, April 4, Goodsell, 66, became the the first COVID-19 casualty in southern Santa Barbara County.

His vice was drinking, perhaps to drown his sorrows. Barnes said he lost his wife to cancer and their son to a heroin overdose back in Montana more than a decade ago.

That's when he moved to California with his new dog Dreamer.

Over the years he helped feed other homeless people and he took part in the homeless count. He also worked at a gas station and shared his survival skills. But when COVID-19 took hold, he couldn't fight off the symptoms.

Barnes wrote an in memoriam in the Independent and has just created a memorial Facebook page to post pictures she has taken over the years.

Barnes said people like Leland are in need of water and food and reminders to social distance.

Barnes says Leland's beloved dog, Dreamer, will go to a friend who is currently in quarantine.

Article Topic Follows: Santa Barbara - South County

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Tracy Lehr

Tracy Lehr is a reporter and the weekend anchor for News Channel 3-12. To learn more about Tracy, click here

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