What is the condition that took the life of a "healthy" mother who was flying home from vacation?
On February 28, a passenger named Stefanie Smith suddenly lost her life after traveling to Charlotte, N.C., from a vacation in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, with her boyfriend and close friends Maria Yannotti, 36, and Clay Sharpe, 43,
The 41-year-old began convulsing mid-flight which led to the aircraft making an emergency landing at Providenciales International Airport in Turks and Caicos.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force took to Facebook to issue a press statement, writing that the Air Traffic Control Tower requested medical assistance for the late woman, "who at the time was receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation" at 6:12PM.
Read the police statement below:
The police department shared on Facebook: "A commercial flight was diverted to the Turks and Caicos this evening after a female passenger fell ill mid-flight," and added that Smith was transported to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where she was pronounced dead at a hospital.
The mother-of-two's sudden passing shocked many family and friends as she was described as "healthy." However, a forensic pathologist revealed to ABC News that she died from a carotid artery dissection in her neck.
Smith's brother, Chris Volz, spoke out about the shocking revelation, sharing: "It was truly a tragic medical event that happened," and stated that the results of the autopsy do not suggest there was any foul play, as reported by the outlet.
He revealed that his sister's body is expected to be returned to the US next week.
What is a carotid artery dissection?
According to the National Institute of Health, carotid artery dissection is a condition "whereby the layers of the carotid artery are spontaneously separated" so this can "compromise blood flow to the brain and lead to a stroke".
Some people with illnesses that are known to weaken arterial walls are at greater risk for the condition. However, the disease can also occur with physical activity such as swimming, scuba diving, skating, dancing, sports, yoga, or roller coasters, per John Hopkins Medicine.
It can also take place when giving birth, having sexual intercourse, sneezing or coughing, or receiving chiropractic manipulations. But in some cases, it can happen suddenly, without a known reason.
Carotid dissection can occur at any age but it is more often detected in younger adults than in older adults. It is also the common cause of stroke in people younger than age 50 and is slightly more common in men than in women, per Cedars-Sinai.
A GoFundMe page was created by Smith's friend Kristi Spratt, and at the time of writing, $94,655 has been raised of the $100,000 target.
"It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we share the unexpected tragic passing of Stefanie Smith at the young age of 41. Stefanie was a daughter, sister, best friend, and an amazing mother of two beautiful children," the page read.
"The love she shared with Coen and Macee cannot be measured or described in words. Also, her endless love for her family, friends, and community will leave a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her," it continued.
The money will serve as financial aid for Smith's children, who are 18 and 16, to help them through this tragic time and their future endeavors.
"It is during these times of unexpected sadness and loss when we can come together to help one another make it through," the description continued. "Stefanie will be so deeply missed by every single person who knew her, and we pray that the memory of her kind soul will live on forever."
Our thoughts continue to be with Smith's family and friends at his time.
