Mother dies in her sleep just hours after testing positive to Covid
A family in Sydney have bene left devastated after a mother-of-two died in her sleep just hours after testing positive to Covid.
Melaine Leffler was only experiencing minor symptoms of the virus, such as a stuffy nose and are throat, when she tested positive after taking a rapid antigen test.
The healthcare worker had received four vaccinations, and was "feeling fine" when she said goodnight to her family on November 19th.
Her husband Mick Hogan and their daughters Clemmie, 4, and Lottie, 9 months, had no idea it would be last time they would speak to her, as the 39-year-old mum died in her sleep that night.
Her sudden death left her family reeling, as her husband shared the news of her passing on Facebook.
“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I have to announce to you this way though social media,” Mick wrote.
“My loving wife and the mother of 2 beautiful children, Mel Leffler, sadly passed away in her sleep this morning."
“She tested positive for Covid last night with a rat test, but only had a runny nose and slightly sore throat. Other than that she was feeling fine.”
Melanie’s father Wayne described his daughter as “beautiful, intelligent and loving” person, adding that he and her mother Roz were “deeply shocked and saddened” by her death.
“Roz and I lost our beautiful, intelligent and loving 39 y.o. daughter, Mel, overnight,” he wrote in a poignant Facebook post.
“To say we’re shocked and deeply saddened would be an understatement. Suddenly, nothing else matters in life other than ensuring the support and wellbeing of Mick and our 2 beautiful granddaughters."
“No child should ever pre-decease their parents. It’s just not right."
“I awoke hoping Mel’s passing was just a bad dream. I’ve never felt so low. We’re devastated – things will never be the same.”
Melanie’s cause of death is yet to be confirmed by a coroner’s report, but her brother Kris Leffler firmly believes it was heart-related.
He also revealed that Melanie was inspired to study medical science after a bout of Wilms’ tumour – a rare kidney cancer that primarily affects children – left her with just one kidney.
A GoFundMe has been set up to financially support widower Mick and his two daughters, with the page stating “Mel’s beautiful soul will forever live on in her two darling girls”.
Image credits: GoFundMe / Facebook