Hawaii sign language interpreter for COVID-19 briefings dies of virus during San Diego trip Andrea McFadden and last updated 2021-01-21 20:43:24-05 LAKESIDE, Calif. (KGTV) - San Diego family members are mourning the coronavirus-related death of a sign language interpreter known for translating virus briefings in Hawaii. During the pandemic, Patty Sakal has been become a familiar face in Hawaii, as a sign language interpreter at government briefings on COVID-19. In December, she had a decision to make. Her youngest daughter, Andrea McFadden, a San Diego-based Navy sailor, would be deploying in February. Sakal wanted to visit but was worried about the virus.