Former Alabama senator warned ‘this is real’ before dying from Covid-19

Former Republican Alabama state senator Larry Dixon has died of Covid-19 at the age of 78 - reportedly warning people of the dangers of the disease in some of his very final words.

Mr Dixon also served on the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners.

A close friend told NBC News that his last words to his wife were also a warning to the people of Alabama.

Dr David Thrasher said Mr Dixon told his wife Gaynell: “We messed up, we let our guard down.”

“Please tell everybody to be careful. This is real, and if you get diagnosed, get help immediately.”