RIFLE–Local public health officials today announced a Garfield County resident has died from influenza – ”the first pediatric flu death in the state reported this flu season. The individual, whose name and age weren’t disclosed, died Monday, Jan. 17, according to Mary Meisner, director of the Garfield County Public Health Department. Officials said the individual was an adolescent and had been treated at St. Mary Hospital in Grand Junction. According to health officials, the individual did not have underlying health conditions that might have contributed to death. “The loss of any student is tragic, especially someone so young.” said Meisner.