Warning: This article contains discussion of child death and grief which some readers may find distressing.
Influencer Melissa Mae Carlton has shared the heartbreaking news that her daughter Molly has died.
A year and a half after their nine-year-old daughter Abigail died of sepsis, Carlton announced the tragic news that their younger daughter, Molly, passed away on Christmas Day.
Melissa shared the news on Instagram, updating concerned fans on Boxing Day: “On Christmas morning, our sweet Molly girl, and her big sister Abi were reunited. This is the only thing giving me even a small sense of comfort.
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"Molly missed her sister so deeply, she would often ask me, 'Mummy, when is Jesus coming back so Abi can come down?'
“We are exhausted and shaken after a day filled with trauma and heartbreak. I feel numb. I cannot yet accept that this is real. I am not ready for this pain.”
Melissa and her husband, Tom Carlton, are also parents to Lily and Harry, and said they are 'devastated' and 'in disbelief'.
Little Molly was the youngest of the couple's four children.
Melissa continued: "We are devastated. In disbelief. Confused and in shock. I am scared of what life looks like now for us. I am heartbroken for our children," she wrote.
"Last night, through tears, Harry told me that when we boarded the plane to Arizona on Monday, Molly leaned over and told him she wanted to be with Abi. Through sobs, he said, 'She got what she wanted'."
After fans rushed to ask what had happened and questioned whether the youngster had been ill, Melissa updated: "I hesitate to share a medical update already because we still don't have an official diagnosis.
"The doctors believe Molly had a genetic heart condition and suspect this may have been the case with Abi as well. I'm sharing this because I believe it could be critical information for families who have experienced SUDC (sudden unexpected death in children).
"This understanding came because Molly was able to be monitored in the hospital, which we were not able to do with Abi. I've never felt satisfied with the answers we were given for her. But this type of condition, we've been told that even a minor illness could potentially trigger a sudden cardiac event.
"Her little body fought so hard. But we've been told that this type of cardiac event is, in most cases, not survivable. I hope we will get more answers soon and will be doing more genetic investigation for our family now we have possibly a clearer avenue to explore."
Melissa regularly shares updates about family life, faith, and grief following the loss of Abigail previously, and thanked fans for their prayers and support.
She pleaded with her followers: "I am asking, with all my heart, that those prayers do not stop. In the days and weeks ahead, there will be so much to do and to organize, and we will need strength beyond our own.
"That morning, we witnessed many small miracles. Paramedics were stationed just three minutes away and arrived quickly, the paediatric trauma centre was only fifteen minutes from where we were. We were in the best possible place, with everything aligned for the best conditions and the best outcome. Her little body fought so hard."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Topics: Parenting, Social Media, Instagram
Jen Thomas