A 70-year-old man has died of coronavirus at the Portland Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center, marking Oregon’s first death in the COVID-19 pandemic.

As reported by the Oregonian, the man tested positive for the coronavirus four days ago while hospitalized at the VA Center. According to a press release sent by Governor Kate Brown’s office, he had underlying health conditions before contracting the coronavirus.

"Although we knew this day would come, it does not make it any easier to learn of the first Oregonian to succumb to this illness—an honored veteran who served his country to protect the freedoms we all hold dear," Brown said in the release. "The loss of one life to this disease is too many. Already, thousands around the world have felt the pain that casts its shadow over one family here in Oregon."

Oregon now has 36 confirmed cases of COVID-19, though the Oregon Health Authority believes the actual number of cases likely totals in the hundreds. There have been 40 coronavirus deaths in Washington state so far, and 58 nationwide.

Brown’s statement included a reminder of what Oregonians can do to help stop the spread of COVID-19: “Avoid large events, follow social distancing protocols, and, above all, stay home when sick.”