Grieving daughter, 32, dies of heart attack at her mother's funeral who succumbed to coronavirus
A distraught daughter, who was unable to accept her mother’s death, died while attending her funeral. Laura Richards’ 63-year-old mother, Julie Murphy, passed away on March 15 after contracting coronavirus at Oldbury Grange nursing home, Nuneaton, Warwickshire.
According to reports, the tragic incident occurred on March 31 when 32-year-old Richards with other family members went for her mother’s funeral service at Atherstone Cemetery. As her mother was being lowered into the ground, she collapsed.
She was soon rushed to help by horrified mourners, but they could not save her. Her family also mentioned that she was so shattered after her parents’ death that her "body just gave up on her". Richard’s father Kevin died in 2012. The reason of his death is unknown.
Warwickshire Police confirmed the sad news as they said they were called to the scene at about 12.30 pm to "concern for welfare" reports. “The woman was taken to hospital by the ambulance service but sadly later died. The death is not being treated as suspicious,” a police spokesperson said.
Richards’ sister Lisa Green said, “Everyone was really upset and Laura said she was light-headed and had pains in her chest. We thought it was just anxiety at first but then I called 999."
Lisa also said that family members took turns to try to keep Laura alive as paramedics rushed to the scene. "It was just awful,” she added.
Richards half-sister Sadie, who was not at the funeral service because she is at high-risk of coronavirus after having a kidney transplant, said that the double tragedy has left her family heartbroken. The 45-year-old said, “They were lowering my mother into the ground and Laura suddenly said ‘I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe’. But there was nothing that could be done, she had a massive heart attack."
“To lose your sister at your mother's funeral - it’s like a horror film. She was only 32. I can’t get my head around that it happened just as mother’s coffin was being lowered. It’s just horrible. It’s wrong," she said.
Earlier, before her mother’s funeral service, Richards had posted a message for her mother online, saying: “Love you, mum”, with an emotional photograph of them together. Murphy was buried next to her husband. Richards was also buried next to her parents.
Paying an emotional tribute to her younger sister, Sadie said Laura had a "heart of gold". “She would do anything for anyone and she would make everyone laugh. I keep looking out of my window thinking she’ll turn up in a taxi to say hello,” she added.
Continuing further, the half-sister said, “My mother caught coronavirus and my sister lost her life saying goodbye. I don’t want other families to suffer like I have. So please follow the rules, please stay inside and protect lives. People of all ages are dying - young kids, doctors, and nurses. Please just stay inside."
Another sister of Richards, Kelly paid tribute to her "special little sister" and their mother. “Finally at rest mom, can’t believe the outcome of the day. Losing such a special little sister whilst putting mom to rest,” she posted online. “Look after each other up there. Still in shock, words can’t express how we all feel. We love you both with all our heart and we miss you,” she added.