A heartbreaking final video from a woman who tragically died after undergoing weight loss surgery has surfaced online.
Earlier this month, Morgan Ribeiro traveled from her home in London to Turkey for a gastric sleeve operation, as reported by The Independent.
The 20-year-old was accompanied by her boyfriend Jamie Brewster, 19, who revealed to the outlet that she did not want to spend years on an NHS waiting list.
Morgan underwent a procedure on January 5 and was given the green light to fly home three days later. However, on her flight back to the UK, she fell seriously ill and had to be rushed to hospital after the aircraft made an emergency landing in Serbia.
Medics in Belgrade told Brewster that his partner was going into septic shock, and needed to be operated on after they discovered that she had been cut during the gastric sleeve procedure, which led to an infection.
According to Metro, Morgan's family disclosed that the surgeons removed 10cm of her small intestine and were optimistic that she would eventually recover.
However, their loved one suffered a heart attack on Tuesday (January 9) and was placed in an induced coma - dying four days later (January 13) in hospital.
Speaking days after her sudden death, Morgan's mother Erin Gibson revealed that her daughter had struggled with her weight in the past as she was bullied from a young age.
"Growing up she was bullied a lot, she’s always battled with her weight and been a bigger girl and she had a really rough time with it," the mother-of-five told The Independent. "I told her she was beautiful inside and out, she really was a beautiful girl."
The 44-year-old added that she found out that her daughter was going to have the procedure too late, sharing: "By the time I found out it was too late, she was already on the plane. I had that sinking feeling because I’d heard horror stories about Turkey. I never ever want this to happen to another daughter. I don’t want her life to be in vain."
Morgan shared a chilling TikTok just days before her doomed surgery which showed her putting her arms up to show off her weight. "My last post before weight loss surgery - see you on the other side!" she wrote in the overlay text.
The comment section of the haunting clip has now been flooded with condolences and tributes from followers. One person wrote: "Rip sweet angel taken too soon you will be greatly missed."
Another said: "I’m so sorry Morgan. May your beautiful soul rest peacefully. I hope you know just how beautiful you are over on the other side," and a third commented: "The title is making me feel uneasy… Rest in peace beautiful."
A fourth added: "Such a beautiful girl inside and out. I hope you have found some peace. This world was so cruel to you, heaven is your paradise now Angel."
The Daily Mail reported that before the procedure, Morgan had a virtual consultation with the Turkish company in September 2023 before booking the January operation. Her boyfriend alleges that the staff and translators who spoke with her did not alert her of the risks associated with the operation.
The organization that linked Morgan with the Turkish surgeon has denied any wrongdoing, while a government spokesman announced that they are in contact with local authorities.
"We are supporting the family of a British woman who died in Belgrade and are in contact with the local authorities," they said, per the outlet. "We urge anyone considering a medical procedure abroad to review our travel advice and the relevant guidance from the NHS and other professional bodies."
Morgan's aunt, Sophia Silva, has now set up a GoFundMe and disclosed in the description that the money will go to funeral expenses. As of this writing, £4,657 ($6,000) of the £15,000 ($19,000) target has been raised.
"She was a beautiful, bright light and was loved and adored by many, but of all by her father, my brother Ricardo. Her great sense of humor, caring nature, and bubbly personality made her so unique," Silva penned. "We are asking for your generous donations to help pay for the funeral that she deserves. Anything you are able to give will be greatly appreciated so her loved ones can say their goodbyes."
Our thoughts are with Morgan's family and friends at this devastating time.
