In what should have been one of the happiest moments of her life, 19-year-old Mellodie-Ocean Jarman eagerly anticipated a 4D ultrasound — a joyful milestone in her pregnancy. Yet within two days, her family was faced with the unimaginable task of arranging funerals for both Mellodie and her infant daughter. Their loss has brought to light critical medical oversights and raised difficult questions about symptoms that were not fully recognized.
Mellodie was not considered at risk. With no previous health problems or pregnancy complications, and routine prenatal visits confirming her baby was thriving, she and her partner Daniel were preparing to welcome their baby girl into the world. The nursery was set, and the name Athena-Pearl had already been chosen, marking the hopeful final phase of Mellodie’s pregnancy journey.
But everything changed suddenly one weekend in February 2025. Mellodie collapsed without warning, sparking urgent attempts to save both mother and child. Unfortunately, signs that could have indicated a serious problem were missed or misinterpreted, leading to devastating consequences.
A Bright Life and Close Family Ties
Raised in Atherton, Greater Manchester, Mellodie was the cherished only daughter in a busy household of five siblings. Known affectionately as “Boo” for her playful pigtails, she was loved for her lively spirit, kindness, and confidence. Her mother Justine fondly recalls Mellodie as both spirited and caring—a natural helper and family anchor, especially with her younger brothers.
Mellodie had a strong connection to her uncles and a sweet early romance with classmate Daniel Darbyshire. The couple grew close over three years before officially becoming partners in 2022. After finishing school, they worked together at a local pub, excited to build a life and family.
Pregnancy Journey and Warning Signs Overlooked
In late summer 2024, Mellodie noticed irregularities in her cycle. After her mother urged a pregnancy test, the positive result surprised her but was soon embraced by both Mellodie and Daniel. They moved in with Justine, prepared the nursery, and looked forward to welcoming their daughter.
Initially, pregnancy was progressing well, labeled low-risk. But by January 2025, Mellodie began experiencing troubling symptoms such as breathlessness during normal activities. Though she voiced her concerns, healthcare providers attributed these to low iron or the physical strain of pregnancy. Several times, she had to pause while walking, yet no urgent investigations were made.
Collapse and Missed Medical Opportunities
On January 31, while en route to her 4D scan, Mellodie suddenly collapsed at a train station. Paramedics responded, and hospital staff concluded it was caused by anxiety and iron deficiency. She was given treatment and sent home, despite reporting groin pain. The baby’s heartbeat was strong, so no further tests were done.
That night, Mellodie’s condition worsened. She fell again, this time losing consciousness completely. Emergency services arrived, but after hours of resuscitation efforts, Mellodie was declared dead early February 2. An emergency C-section delivered Athena-Pearl, born prematurely and immediately placed on life support.
Heartbreaking Hours and Final Goodbye
Despite efforts to save her, Athena-Pearl’s condition deteriorated rapidly. After 16 agonizing hours, her life support was turned off, and she was laid to rest with her mother. Family members shared a final farewell filled with love and sorrow, carrying out the cherished moments Mellodie had dreamed of herself.
The Aftermath: Grief, Questions, and Advocacy
Daniel and Justine, along with extended family, faced overwhelming grief. Funeral arrangements were made, and community support helped cover expenses. Yet the hardest part remained unanswered questions.
Postmortem results revealed Mellodie died from a pulmonary embolism caused by a blood clot traveling from her leg to her lungs — a condition often linked to pregnancy but difficult to detect without clear symptoms like swelling or pain. Athena-Pearl passed due to complications from oxygen deprivation and prematurity.
Justine now raises awareness about how subtle signs such as breathlessness, dizziness, and groin discomfort should never be dismissed during pregnancy. Her hope is that Mellodie’s story will encourage quicker recognition and response to similar symptoms in others.
What Expectant Families Should Know About Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary embolism, often stemming from deep vein thrombosis, is a serious risk during pregnancy, especially late in gestation. Symptoms can include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat. Warning signs of blood clots in the legs might be mild or absent but should not be ignored.
Early detection and intervention can save lives. Mellodie’s story is a heartbreaking reminder that even “healthy” pregnancies can hide dangers, and that trusting maternal instincts and thorough medical attention are vital.
Remembering Mellodie and Athena-Pearl
Their story is not just about loss, but about a call to action for better awareness and care. Mellodie and Athena-Pearl’s lives, though brief, leave a lasting message about the importance of listening to the body and advocating for urgent care when something feels wrong.
Their family’s journey honors them with love, courage, and the hope that no other family will face such a preventable tragedy.