A family in Australia has been left heartbroken after their daughter "tragically and suddenly" died in front of them while they were having dinner together.
Dani Duchatel, 26, had been having a family dinner and playing cards with her parents at their home in Moreton Bay near Brisbane on Sunday, May 21, but tragically went into cardiac arrest just after 10:00 PM.
Her mother, Kay Duchatel, immediately began administering CPR until medics arrived, but Dani could not be saved.
The 26-year-old government worker had been staying with her parents while recovering from surgery for a broken leg at the time of the tragic incident.
According to reports from News.com.au, doctors believe that Dani may have developed a blood clot due to the surgery, which traveled to her lung and caused a pulmonary embolism, but are still waiting for the results of her autopsy before this can be confirmed or ruled out.
Dani's mother shared the news of her tragic passing on Facebook, writing: "It is with the greatest sadness that I inform you all that our daughter Daniella Jade Duchatel passed away peacefully last night.
"We will update you all with funeral details in the coming days. Please give us some time to come to terms with our loss."
A friend of the family started a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses in the wake of Dani's death, which has so far raised over $16,000 AUD ($10,400) of its $20,000 AUD ($13,000) target.
The friend wrote: "Please help us to raise funds for Dani Duchatel. On the 21st of May, Dani tragically and suddenly passed away. She had spent the night with family having dinner and playing cards.
"Dani had surgery a few weeks prior as she had recently broken her leg. Due to the surgery a blood clot had formed that travelled to her lung and caused a pulmonary embolism. As a result Dani went into cardiac arrest and couldn’t be saved.
"Her family would appreciate your financial support at this time. It allows them to be home, to take the time to mourn the loss of their daughter and to help pay for costs associated with Dani’s funeral. Any help big or small would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support at this time."
One of Dani's friends also shared a sweet montage of videos from happier times together, writing: "Oh my dani, I can’t comprehend the pain and sadness to know you aren’t around anymore.
"Your love and kindness was so pure and being around you made me want to be a better person. The time spent with you have been some of my happiest moments of my life, from falling alseep on the sofas watching friends to fighting off frogs in the rainforest I cherish it all and will forever remember our amazing memories and time together.
"I love you my sweet angel. Rest easy, and I will see you again. For now like you told me I will go galavanting the world for the both of us. I miss you so much my sister."
Dani's friend, Chantelle Lay, told The Courier-Mail: "Dani was a very quiet but vibrant person. She was jovial and funny. A very empathetic and kind human being. She was a real gentle soul. She was the kind of person who would do anything to help anyone and was very loving and supportive of everyone."
She revealed that Dani loved "quilting, reading, and traveling" as well as being an animal lover, and owned a "massive" dog and had recently adopted a new kitten.
Chantelle added: "She had plans to travel more and see the world. She would have gone everywhere and anywhere if she could. She just wanted to see and experience it all."
Dani had also revealed on Facebook in January that she had purchased her first home, an apartment, and was "excited and nervous" for the new chapter in her life as a homeowner.
Our thoughts are with Dani's family at this heartbreaking time.
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