Who died on 'Christina in the Country'? HGTV star Christina Hall opens up about 'scariest' loss
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: The upcoming episode of 'Christina in the Country' is going to embark on the emotional side. Christina Hall lost one of their close members while helping her best friends Cassie Schienle to remodel Cassie's sister-in-law's house, Dr Jessica Waldron. Christina just shares the heart-wrenching not on social media, claiming how she has been affected by Jessica's death.
Being diagnosed with, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Jessica died on November 3, 2023. Christina uploaded a photo of Jessica on her Instagram, saying, "Jessica passed away due to complications of ALS and never got to see her home remodel." Keep reading to know who was Jessica and what led to her tragic death.
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Who was Jessica Waldron and how did she die?
Jessica Waldron was 39 years old. She was the sister-in-law of Christina's best friend Cassie. Jessica was married to Damon Waldron and together they shared two kids, Reese and Gray. Christina writes in her post that she first met Jessica in 2020 at James and Cassie's engagement party. Shortly after their wedding, Jessica developed "drop foot." By mid-2022, she lost the mobility of her legs and was diagnosed with ALS. Being unable to walk, Jessica was then confined to a wheelchair. The Waldron family created a GoFundMe page after seeing Jessica worsening condition. After extensive EMGs, MRIs, X-rays, spinal taps, etc, Jessica started experiencing weakness in her core, hands, and arms. She underwent all the procedures that were suggested could have helped ALS. However, seeing no improvement the Waldron family then went on for the option of IVG treatment. To go through the same, they requested a raise of $150,000 for Christina's treatment.
Well, the condition of Jessica did not improve even after several procedures. Eventually, this led to her death.
Christina Hall pens heartbreaking loss on social media
Sharing a picture of Jessica and her husband, Christina Hall writes, "Tonight’s episode of Christina in the Country is incredibly emotional and was a challenge for all involved." She claimed to have lost someone near and dear to her while filming the remodeling of her house. Christina then explained how she first met Jessica and how her presence impacted her. She wrote, "I first met Jessica Waldron in March 2020 at James and Cassie’s engagement party. She was the kind of woman that when she walked into a room, you noticed. She had that aura about her." Christina got to know Jessica better at Cassie and James' wedding. They spent most of the time together talking and laughing. Christina claimed Jessica to be "smart, funny, beautiful, and real."
After mid-2022, Jessica's condition grew worse. "Watching this disease rapidly progress and take over Jessica’s body was the scariest thing I’ve ever witnessed," wrote Christina. "Jessica wanted her home remodeled because she needed it to be functional for her due to her limited mobility, but she also wanted it to be beautiful and something her whole family could enjoy," added 'Christina in the Country' star. Christina claimed that during the process of treatment, Jessica held onto hope that there would be a cure. Moreover, Christina herself was "sensitive" to the condition believing that Jessica will be cured one day. Unfortunately, the same didn't happen and the 39-year-old tragically died on November 3.
Christina claims Jessica's death to be a huge loss for everyone. She wrote, "It was a huge loss for everyone who was blessed to have crossed her path." "This remodel was her vision for her family and something the entire crew and I are proud to have done for them," added Christina. She then explained that her memory will continue to live on everyone, especially her kids who will remember their mother as a "fighter." Christina claimed Jessica always put on a brave face and will be remembered the same by everyone who ever got to know her.
Christina ends the note by asking, "We hope to raise awareness for this devastating disease."
James Schienle shares there is 'emptiness' after sister Jessica's death
Jessica's brother James Schienle also took to social media to pen down the heartwarming note for her sister. He uploaded the picture of Jessica in one frame and of her family in another. James wrote, "On Thursday, November 3rd my courageous sister Jessica finally found peace after a strong and hard-fought battle with ALS. Jessica was an exemplary mother to Reese and Gray and a loving wife to Damon. A beloved daughter and the most inspirational and fun-loving sister." James claimed Jessica excelled in everything, whether it be education at Stanford or work, or helping other ALS-affected people. James ended her note explaining the sadness Jessica's death brought by saying, "There are no words that can explain the emptiness I have without her, but the lifetime of memories I will always cherish." He claimed, "You always be with me. I love you, Jessica Mae."
The special episode of 'Christina in the Counrty' titled 'For the Love of Family' involving Damon and Jessica was aired on February 9. The new episodes of the show are released every Thursday at 8 pm ET/ 7 pm CT on Discover +.