- Woman, 63, dies after contracting coronavirus
- Daughter, 32, dies while grieving during late mum’s funeral
A daughter mourning her late mother during the late mum’s funeral collapsed and died of a heart attack.
The late daughter, Laura Richards, 32, fell down gripping her chest as her mother, Julie Murphy, 63, was being laid to rest at Atherstone Cemetery in Warwickshire.
Those around frantically rushed to help but were unable to rescue her last Tuesday.
Speaking to the Sun Online, Laura’s half-sister Sadie said the family had been left in pain by the double tragedy.
Sadie said she was unable to attend the funeral herself because she was at high risk of contracting coronavirus after just having a kidney transplant.
She stated that it was only close family members that attended due to social distancing guidelines.
However, the 45-year-old, from Dordon, Warks, said her daughter was among the few family members at the service.
She said: “They were lowering my mum into the ground and Laura suddenly said ‘I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe’.
“She was clutching her chest.
“My daughter told her to sit down, and put a coat around her but she could barely speak or catch her breath.
“Even the vicar tried to help save her life. But there was nothing that could be done, she had a massive heart attack.
“To lose your sister at your mum’s funeral – it’s like a horror film. She was only 32.”
She added: “I can’t get my head around that it happened just as mum’s coffin was being lowered.
“It’s just horrible. It’s wrong.”
Late Julie, 63, died in hospital on March 15 after contracting coronavirus at Oldbury Grange nursing home, Nuneaton, Warks.
Julie was laid to rest next to her husband, Kevin, who died in 2012.
Laura posted a picture of her and her late mum, wrote an emotional post online to her mum after her death she wrote, “Love you Mum,” she said.
According to family members, she had been so agitated at losing her parents that her “body just gave up on her”.
Laura was laid to rest next to her mum yesterday – with only five people in attendance due to coronavirus rules.
Still speaking about the incident, her half-sister Sadie said: “We had to wear masks when we saw mum in the hospital just before she died, and I think it really upset Laura seeing her in that environment.
“She hadn’t been out of the house until the funeral. Losing mum must have really affected her.
“I think her body just gave up on her.”
Sadie paying tribute to her little sister, said Laura had a “heart of gold”.
She told The Sun Online: “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. “I don’t want their deaths to be in vain.
“My mum 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.”
Laura’s other sister Kelly Murphy while paying tribute to her referred to her as “special little sister”.
She wrote online: “Finally at rest mum, can’t believe the outcome of the day. Such a special little sister whilst putting mum to rest.
“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.
