A man died in his sleep on Thursday morning just days after finding out his new wife was pregnant.
Shannen and Connor Rissel tied the knot in September after dating for five years. They lived together in Gorokon on the Central Coast in New South Wales, Australia. The two had just found out Shannen was pregnant with their first child due in August.
Following the tragedy, she has penned an emotional tribute to Connor, who she describes as the "love of her life" and as someone who had "such a big heart".
"It is with the heaviest heart that I write these words. My husband, Connor passed away unexpectedly in his sleep yesterday morning," the grieving widow wrote on Friday.
"Connor was the love of my life, he was the best husband, the best friend, the best family member, the best fur baby daddy and he was also going to become a father this year in August.
"We are expecting baby Rissel - our baby bugle and he was so so excited to share this with everyone. Words can’t describe the feeling this morning - the air is fresh and he loved the early morning so it feels right to share this news at his favourite time of day."
Shannen said Connor enjoyed surfing, going in the water and being outdoors, She also said that he was always looking for an adventure and loved trying out new things such as fly fishing. He was also a hard worker and made music, she added.
"He gave his whole heart to those he loved and had such a huge heart, empathy and care for people he met," Shannen said.
She continued: "He was the most rare person you could meet and I am so proud that I got to become his wife and spend five years, and four months with him.
"The memories that we have I will cherish forever and I will live the rest of my days reflecting on ways I can be more like him.
"And when I welcome our baby into the world he or she will be surrounded by everyone that loved him, to share memories about how beautiful of a person he was and his memories will live on."
Tributes have been pouring in after news of the young father-to-be's sudden passing emerged.
One person wrote: "You may have lost the one you loved but you’ve gained an angel you know so well… dearest Shannen Rissel, I’m so terribly sorry for your loss, all these beautiful memories of Connor really paints a picture for how much of a top bloke he was… praying for strength and courage, I know no words can make the pain go away, but it’s beautiful to see how much love surrounds you and your precious baby… thinking of you."
Another said: "I lost my husband to a car accident when I was newly pregnant with our first daughter. There are no words. Please reach out - it’s a cruel bittersweet road. Connor will never leave your thoughts."
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