Warning: This article may contain discussion of death in childbirth that some may find distressing
An American influencer who went viral for her budget-friendly wedding has died due to complications in childbirth, her family has announced.
In 2022, Kiara Brokenbrough hit headlines after revealing she’d paid just $47 (£34.68) for a wedding dress to say ‘I do’ to husband Joel Brokenbrough.
The influencer, 32, tied the knot with her spouse in February 2022 in a Californian ceremony that cost just $500.
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"Our goal was to just be as minimal as possible," the social media star told Good Morning America two months after her nuptials. "And to spend the least amount of money as possible."
Four years on from their low-key wedding, Kiara’s family has confirmed that she had died while welcoming her and Joel’s premature son, Jonah.
According to the mother’s obituary, she died on 30 March in West Virginia.
The New York Post reported that the state’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has yet to release an official cause of death.
The publication stated that Kiara and Joel’s son was due in June, and it it not known whether her death triggered an early delivery or if early complications contributed to her death.
The couple were due to move back to California to begin their journey as parents. It is not known if this was planned to take place before or after their son’s birth.
“Kiara’s last assignment was the gift of her greatest creation, Jonah, a son for her beloved husband,” her obituary read.
“Jonah, like his parents, is a fighter. He is inspiring his family members and NICU hospital staff with his remarkable improvement.”
On 13 April, Joel confirmed his wife’s death in an Instagram story, as per the outlet.
“My beautiful, God-fearing, worshipping wife has gone home to be in the presence of the Lord,” he wrote.
A GoFundMe page has been set up in the wake of Kiara’s death by Shaneka Greene, whom People Magazine reported as Joel’s mother.
In an update shared today (27 April), Jonah is ‘proving to be a true warrior’, thriving more ‘each day’ and already showing the family glimpses of his ‘beautiful personality’.
“While Joel misses Kiara terribly, he is transforming his pain into a quiet, fierce strength. His bond with Jonah is a miracle to witness, and he is at the hospital constantly, ensuring Jonah has everything he needs to continue his journey,” the GoFoundMe reported.
“Because of your gifts, Joel can focus entirely on Jonah and their new life together without the heavy burden of financial hardship.
“You have given them more than just a donation; you have given them the space to heal and the resources Jonah needs to grow.”
At the time of writing, Kiara’s GoFundMe has raised $120,362 (£104,183) of a $150,000 (£110,662) goal.
You can donate here.
If you need support and advice following a pregnancy loss, you can contact the Tommy’s team at [email protected]. You can also call them for free on 0800 014 7800, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Ella Scott