An Indiana mother of two, who tragically passed away after experiencing a sudden illness during her return flight from the Dominican Republic last month, succumbed to natural causes, according to her brother Chris Volz.
The circumstances surrounding the death of 41-year-old Stefanie Smith had been shrouded in mystery for the past two weeks, leaving her family desperate for answers.
Death of Indiana Mother in Plane Incident Dispelled
Tragedy struck as an Indiana mother of two succumbed to a sudden illness during a flight back from the Dominican Republic last month.
The devastating news was revealed by Chris Volz, the woman's brother, who shared that a forensic pathologist informed the family about the cause of death: a carotid artery dissection in her neck.
Volz expressed profound sadness over the unexpected and tragic medical event that led to his sister's passing.
Addressing concerns of foul play, Volz assured that the autopsy results indicated no such indications. The incident unfolded on February 28 when Stefanie Smith, the deceased, fell ill aboard an American Airlines flight from the Dominican Republic.
This distressing event followed a five-day vacation at a resort with her boyfriend and another couple. The flight was diverted to Turks and Caicos, where Smith was rushed to a hospital. Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead.
Reflecting on their time together, Maria Yannotti, a companion vacationing with Smith, recounted that Smith appeared healthy throughout their stay, engaging in morning runs and enjoying breakfast at the resort.
Smith's untimely passing leaves behind her two children, an 18-year-old son, and a 16-year-old daughter.
Volz anticipates the repatriation of her remains to the United States in the coming week.
Previously Assumed Mysterious Death on Plane
The Indiana mother, Stefanie Smith, aged 41, fell ill on February 28 while aboard a flight bound for Charlotte from Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
The flight crew provided medical assistance to Smith until the decision was made to divert the flight to an island southeast of the Bahamas. There, she was transported to a nearby hospital, where she tragically passed away.
Smith had been returning home after vacationing in the Dominican Republic with her boyfriend, as reported by her friend Maria Yannotti.
Yannotti shared that Smith maintained a rigorous gym routine even during their vacation, expressing shock over her sudden death.
According to Smith's brother, Chris Volz, she leaves behind two children: an 18-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, responsible for investigating the incident, received a call from the Air Traffic Control Tower shortly after 6 p.m. local time on the day of the flight, requesting medical assistance.
A GoFundMe page has been established to support Smith's son and daughter, describing her as a beloved daughter, sister, and friend.
It highlights her role as a devoted mother and community member, expressing deep sorrow over her loss and requesting prayers for her family during this difficult time.
