In a heartbreaking twist of fate, a Nebraska groom passed away moments after he said "I do" to the love of his life.
According to friends and family, Toraze Davis tragically passed away "an hour" after his wedding ceremony commenced, devastating the friends and family who had gathered to celebrate his love for bride Johnnie Mae Davis.
NBC News reports that, on Monday, June 19, the couple exchanged their vows and promising to dedicate their lives to each other amidst the cheers and blessings of their children, parents, and loved ones.
Their joy, however, was short-lived, as Toraze suddenly collapsed, and emergency services were immediately called to the scene.
The dream day turned into an unimaginable nightmare, turning the celebration of love into a day of profound sorrow.
Describing the shocking event, Monica Miller - the bride's supervisor who attended the wedding - told NBC News how "the happiest day of their lives turned into a day of tragedy."
In the aftermath of this sudden tragedy, friends and family are rallying around the grieving bride, setting up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral costs and expenses for the couple's children. So far, the online fundraiser has received an outpouring of support, garnering over $14,000 in donations by Saturday afternoon.
The fundraiser page's heartfelt description recalls the pain being felt by the tragedy, saying: "Johnnie Mae unexpectedly lost her husband yesterday on their wedding day... Unfortunately, Toraze gave his last breath shortly after saying 'I Do'. All our hearts are aching for Mrs. Davis and her children.
"We are asking that you donate towards the burial expenses for Toraze and money to help the new bride with their children."
Miller, who is behind the fundraiser, poignantly summed up the devastating reality for the new widow, saying: “She went from planning a wedding to now planning a funeral.”
Recalling the shocking sequence of events, Jewel Roberson, a friend of the bride, told KETV in Omaha: "In a second. It happened within seconds. She’s been widowed and married in a 10-minute span."
The community now mourns the tragic loss of Toraze Davis, whose funeral will be held on July 5, according to Good Shepherd Funeral Home.
Our thoughts are with Davis' loved ones at this time.