While on a return flight from the Dominican Republic, a 41-year-old mom dies suddenly, which comes as a mystery since she has without any known pre-existing conditions, according to friends and family.
Mom of Dies While on Mid-Flight
Stefanie Smith, 41, was on an American Airlines flight to North Carolina from the Dominican Republic on February 28. At mid-flight, she fell unwell, causing the plane to make an emergency landing in Turks and Caicos. Despite being transferred to a hospital, she passed away. The cause of the passing remains unclear, and an autopsy is ongoing.
Stefanie, who had been on a five-day vacation with her boyfriend, appeared healthy before the flight. Witnesses, including her friend Maria Yannotti, reported that she was active, even exercising regularly during the trip.
On the flight, Stefanie's boyfriend observed her experiencing seizures with her eyes rolling back, prompting medical intervention from a doctor and nurses on board.
The investigation continues to shed light on the strange situation enclosing her untimely passing. Doctors and nurses aboard conducted CPR before the emergency landing.
Upon getting a call for medical support from the Air Traffic Control Tower at around 6:15 p.m., the plane made an emergency landing at Providenciales International Airport in Turks and Caicos.
Fondly recalled for her boundless love for family, friends, and community, a GoFundMe page has been set up to support her two children, Coen and Macee.
Stefanie Smith's Mysterious Death
Stefanie Smith, aged 41, appeared to be in excellent health during her five-night stay at the Iberostar Grand Bavaro in Punta Cana, as stated by her friend and travel buddy, Maria Yannotti, to the Daily Mail.
The trip covered visits to the resort's restaurants, and leisurely hours at the beach and pools, with moderate alcohol consumption. On their last night, they dined at El Galeon, enjoying a meal without any complaints about the food or well-being.
Smith, an X-ray tech and mom of two teens, maintained an active lifestyle, frequently exercising at the resort gym and running along the beach. Yannotti exalted Stefanie's energetic personality, describing her as a source of energy and fun.
The unexpected turn of events occurred during Smith's return flight to Charlotte on February 28. Yannotti received a text from her around 4:55 p.m., expressing plans to share a funny story upon landing.
However, less than two hours later, the flight diverted to the Turks and Caicos after Smith encountered convulsions. Despite efforts to save her, she was announced dead upon reaching a local medical center.
Yannotti recounted the heart-wrenching moment when Smith's boyfriend called with the tragic news during their layover in Miami.
The cause of Smith's abrupt death remains unknown, and her friends and family, including her 18- and 16-year-old children, await the results of a private autopsy. Chris Volz, Smith's brother, stated she had no known pre-existing health conditions.
A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated for Smith's children, already raising $87,000 out of its $100,000 goal as of Friday morning.
Yannotti expressed the devastating impact of the situation, emphasizing the need for answers from the pending autopsy to unravel the mystery surrounding Smith's untimely demise.
