Dr. Lizzie Kieffer has shared the devastating news that her one-year-old daughter, Lilian "Lily" Louise Kieffer, has passed away — just 10 days after celebrating her first birthday.
In a heart-wrenching post to Instagram, the social media star and physical therapist revealed that she and her husband, Matt, woke up to the unimaginable last Wednesday.
“Wednesday we woke up to a nightmare that we never could have imagined becoming our reality. Our Lily passed away,” she wrote.
The Missouri-based influencer, who is also mother to older daughter Mia and currently pregnant with her third child, said her family was “shattered” by the sudden loss. She described Lily as “the purest of beings” who “brought light to every single space she filled.”
“Our days are written before we were even formed, and in Lily’s 374 days of life, she taught us more than I think many could in their lifetime,” Dr. Kieffer added.
While the cause of Lily’s death remains unclear, Dr. Kieffer shared that doctors discovered a large mass on Lily’s brain — something that had gone unnoticed during her short life. “We also have come to learn that Lily had a large mass on her brain that we could have never known about as she never showed signs,” she said. “We won't know more answers with many of these things for months until further testing is done.”
Despite the heartbreak, Dr. Kieffer spoke openly about the role her faith is playing as she and Matt attempt to navigate their unimaginable grief.
“We don't have answers and we don't know why this is God's plan for our lives. And we will never fully understand this mystery until we see her again one day,” she said. “What we do know is God is faithful and brings light to the darkest of places. And we know Lily is being held so tight by Jesus and loved ones in heaven. And probably playing in her ball pit or riding in her little red car up there. We feel her.”
The loss has naturally had an impact on Kieffer’s business, with the fitness coach telling her followers she would be stepping away from work temporarily, including delaying the launch of a new program. She thanked her supporters, saying: “Our family and friends are holding us when we don't feel it's possible to move. But we want you to know that we feel your prayers and your support. We feel God's presence around our family and friends.”
In a tender tribute to her daughter, Kieffer wrote: “Lilybug, you are our angel. And we know you’ll always be with us. Daddy, Mummy, Mia and new baby love you so damn much and we miss you every single second.”
Speaking directly to her late daughter, she added: “You will always, always be a part of us and although the hole will never be filled, speaking your name will sing through our days bringing joy into the moments. You’re our light in this darkness and we know God is holding you in an extra special place.”
An obituary for Lily, posted by the family, paints a portrait of a little girl full of life and joy.
It described how Lily “adored” her big sister Mia, “whose every move brought her awe and delight.” The tribute also recalled Lily’s days filled with laughter, whether she was “climbing into the ball pit,” “climbing up the stairs eager for the chase,” or “riding around in her little red car with Mia, the two of them side by side in simple, perfect happiness.”
Lily’s visitation service is set for Tuesday, April 29, with a funeral mass scheduled for Wednesday, April 30. She is survived by her parents, big sister Mia, and her four grandparents.
Since Dr. Kieffer shared the news, a flood of condolences has poured in from her followers and the parenting community online. One follower wrote: “Words are so inadequate — I am praying for an unexplainable peace for you guys that could only come from God. You're in every thought and prayer and if there are needs that arise for the day to day, please let your community know.”
Another added: “When a mother mourns her child, all mothers grieve with her. I am deeply saddened for your family and am sending you all my love and thoughts from France. May your little angel Lily rest in peace.”
Messages of love and faith echoed throughout the comments, with one user writing: “I have not stopped praying or thinking about you this week. My heart is broken with yours. I pray you feel God’s presence and strength from the unending prayers covering your family.”
Another commenter summed it up simply: “Lily was an absolute light. I pray for peace over you and your family. While Lily is in the arms of Jesus, it does not make the pain of missing her down here any less. I’m so sorry.”
Our thoughts go out to Kieffer and her family and loved ones at this time.