Sky dive instructor, 30, was training to be a chiropractor before plunging 15,000ft to his death in tragic tandem jump with 'adventurous' mother-of-four
The sky dive instructor who plunged 15,000ft to his death alongside an 'adventurous' mother-of-four had been in training to become a chiropractor.
Adam Harrison, 30, from Bournemouth, and Belinda Taylor, 48, from Totnes, died in the tragic incident at Dunkeswell Airfireld in Devon on Friday afternoon.
Devon and Cornwall Police today confirmed the two identities as their heartbroken families try to come to terms with the enormous grief.
Mr Harrison's loved ones yesterday described him as 'the most wonderful and talented self-driven man'.
And it has now come to light that the 30-year-old had been lining up a new profession, one he tragically said was set to provide him with 'a bright future'.
While continuing his 'passion' as a self-employed sky dive instructor, Mr Harrison had been attending AECC University College in Bournemouth as a full-time 'Chiropractic Student'.
His family yesterday said he was 'on the brink of qualifying' and embarking on the new career.
Paying tribute to their 'beloved son, brother, uncle and friend', they added: 'He showed everyone that you could do anything if you work hard enough.
'We love you, Adam, more than you know. You were a hero to your nieces and nephews and we will never stop thinking about you.
'Adam had built a sterling reputation as a professional instructor, and we take comfort in knowing that he would undoubtedly have done everything in his power to avert any crisis.'
A fitness enthusiast, Mr Harrison's first job on record was an an activity instructor to children in France.
He then taught gymnastics and high ropes at places like GoApe before even working as a chalet host in the French alps.
Mr Harrison joined GoSkydive in July 2017, where he learned to 'pack parachutes, harness and entertain customers' before being promoted to an instructor after years of training.
He then left to take up a self-employed role at Skydive Buzz, in September 2021.
Advertising the 15,000ft jump, the website reads: 'Once in a lifetime experience? Ticking the bucket list? Jumping for charity? Whatever your reason, if you can afford too; jump from the ultimate altitude! No-one jumps from higher in the UK!'
Mr Harrison's family also paid their respects to Ms Taylor's loved ones, after the 48-year-old mother died with him in the tandem jump.
They added: 'We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to all Belinda's family and friends.
'We are grateful for the outpouring of support and we will always remember Adam as the man who loved life, and everyone that he came into contact with.'
Ms Taylor's son, Elias, 20, spoke yesterday to MailOnline and told how his mother had been becoming more 'adventurous' after meeting her new boyfriend Scott Armstrong, who brought the jump for her as a present.
The university student who lives in west London also revealed that she had been making jokes about making the jump on Friday the 13th, a date which often prompts superstitions.
He said: 'She really just put everyone above herself. It's really difficult for (younger sister) Emily as she was the one living there with mum.
'I spoke to her a week before it happened. It's kind of weird thinking about it now, but at the time obviously she was saying how the jump would take place on Friday 13th and all those things... you don't really expect what happened to happened.
'She was mentioning it in a jokey way.
'It's all still a bit of a shock. Recently she had (boyfriend) Scott and two of his kids, and looked after them. She was getting more adventurous with him, kayaking and stuff, looking to have that excitement and have more fun.
'She talked for ages and ages, and always wanted to have a chat. She was such a positive person.'
He added: 'We just want answers about what happened and how it could have happened.
'We want as much information as possible, we feel like it would help us be at peace.'
Grieving partner Mr Armstrong has demanded information about what caused the tragedy, which is now being probed by the British Skydiving Board of Inquiry.
Belinda Taylor's grieving partner Scott Armstrong paid tribute to her on Facebook
Ms Taylor's ex-husband Bachir Baaklini was also in tears as he described wanting 'justice' for Ms Taylor, with whom he shares two biological children, Elias and Emily, 13.
Speaking at his family home in west London, Mr Baaklini told MailOnline: 'We want her to rest in peace but we need justice.
'This should not have happened. We have got to know why the kids lost their mum.'
Mr Baaklini, a restauranteur of Lebanese origin, described how the pair had a 'really good, positive' relationship in the last five years, and that Ms Taylor particularly got on with his wife.
He laughed as he recalled: 'I used to see her every two or three weeks, she used to speak to my wife more than me.
'Every time I send her a message of two words or something, she will send a five-or ten-minute voice note.
'The minute I answer back she sends another ten-minute message, so I left it to my wife. My wife and her got on really well.
'But I feel really guilty because I am not going to hear her voice again. She came and stayed with us two or three weeks ago because she came to pick Emily up.'
He added: 'She had two step sons and they call me "dad", today is Father's Day and they messaged me. We all got on so well.'
Mr Armstrong revealed how he watched in horror as it happened - after buying her the jump as a present.
He wrote on social media: 'I want answers. Today, they took my world away.'
He added: 'I miss you so much, you were my best friend, thank you for everything you done for me. From making my children feel at home to putting up with my mess.
'I'm so lost without you. There's just so much that I don't have the words to express it. I feel so lost I don't know where home is without you.'
He has also described buying the sky dive jump experience for Ms Taylor, also a grandmother-of-two, as a 'thank you' gesture - and witnessed what happened it alongside his nine-year-old son.
He told the Mirror: 'The plan was to do a 7,000ft jump, but at the last minute she said she wanted to do a 15,000ft one, so I paid the extra money. They were the last group to go up.
'I found Belinda and the instructor lying there, still together, both clearly dead. It was a horrific sight.
'I miss her so much. I'm so lost without her. She meant the world to all of us and we'll never forget her. She was an adrenaline junkie and an adventurer. She'd done kayaking and all sorts.'
A friend told MailOnline that Mr Armstrong was 'not in a good place', saying: 'He's absolutely devastated. He knows something's not right.
'He's not a silly boy, he knows when something's wrong. She had never done it before. It was something she always wanted to do so Scott paid for it for her.
'He's absolutely traumatised and that she's gone.'
Meanwhile, other tributes to Ms Taylor have been given - with her eldest son Connor Bowles telling DevonLive: 'On Friday, June 13, our family lost our mum Belinda Taylor.
'She was a mother of four children, three adult boys and one teenage girl, and a grandmother to two young children.
'She was a selfless woman who wanted only the best for others and especially her loved ones.
'She will be deeply missed and will leave an everlasting impression on all those she has met in life.
'We as a family would like to ask for peace and privacy during this time whilst we grieve our loss and remember our mum as we should do.'
Ms Taylor had three adult sons and a teenage daughter, as well as welcoming Mr Armstrong's nine-year-old son.
Other witnesses who were at the site on Friday have described the scene, with one saying: 'My husband and I were there when this awful tragedy happened.
'He was all harnessed up ready to do the next jump when they cancelled it and evacuated the area.
'The emergency services arrived incredibly quickly. Such devastating news and heartfelt condolences to the families of both victims.'
'He was all harnessed up ready to do the next jump when they cancelled it and evacuated the area.
Another witness added: 'My husband and I were at the cafe waiting to be served when the cafe was told to close with no reason given.
'We left, rather disgruntled at missing out on our coffee. Surprising how things are put in to perspective when you know the facts.
'Our thoughts and condolences are with all those affected by this very sad tragedy.'
British Skydiving chief executive Robert Gibson earlier posted online: 'Today, Friday 13 June 2025, British Skydiving has been notified of a tragic accident in which two jumpers lost their lives.
'Our deepest condolences go to their families, friends and the entire skydiving community.
'A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will investigate the accident.
'Once complete, a report - setting out the Board's conclusions and any recommendations - will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the CAA, the British Skydiving Safety & Training Committee (STC) and any other relevant authorities.
'No further details will be provided at this time. We respectfully ask for privacy for all those affected at this difficult time.'
Devon and Cornwall Police said today: 'Two people who died following a sky dive in Devon have been named.
'Emergency services were called to the area of Dunkeswell Aerodrome at around 1pm on Friday 13 June following concerns for the welfare of two people.
'Sadly, two sky divers were both confirmed deceased at the scene and their families have been informed.
'They have been named as Belinda Taylor, 48, from Totnes, and Adam Harrison, 30, from Bournemouth.
'Enquiries remain ongoing by police, British Skydiving and East Devon District Council Environmental Health and Safety Office.
'If anyone has information which may assist us, please call 101 or report via our website quoting 50250150193.'
A spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority said: 'We are aware of the incident and of our thoughts are of course with the friends and family at this difficult time.'
The CAA added they could not comment any further due to the ongoing investigation.
They said: 'We will work closely with the relevant authorities to understand what happened and are awaiting the report into the incident.'
It comes after a separate skydiver was feared to have taken her own life in a 10,000ft fall from the sky in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham.
Jade Damarell, 32, an experienced parachutist who had accomplished more than 400 jumps, died instantly after hitting the ground during a jump at the base.
Police quickly ruled out any suspicious circumstances and were understood to have discovered notes disclosing her intentions.
MailOnline understands that Ms Damarell, from Caerphilly, south Wales, had broken up with her boyfriend the day prior to taking to the skies.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
11 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Doctors reveal easy-to-miss signs of deadly meningitis as healthy 14-year-old dies within days of infection... and cases rise
Doctors are warning parents not to overlook the early signs of meningitis, after a fit and healthy teenage boy died just days after falling ill with the infection. William Hand, 14, from South Carolina, tragically passed away earlier this month after contracting meningococcal disease—a fast-moving form of meningitis that can enter the bloodstream and cause sepsis. The athletic teen had woken in the early hours feeling unwell, but his condition rapidly worsened. Within hours, the bacteria had overwhelmed his immune system. His father, also named William, shared a heartbreaking tribute online, posting a photo of his son in sports gear with the caption: 'This is how I will always choose to remember Will. 'Flowing hair, big smile and in sports attire. I will see you again, son.' Experts say the case is a stark reminder of how quickly meningitis can strike—and why it's vital not to dismiss a fever, headache, vomiting or sensitivity to light. Early treatment with antibiotics is crucial, but symptoms are often mistaken for flu or a stomach bug until it's too late. Here, MailOnline outlines the symptoms everyone should know... Early flu-like symptoms In England alone, there were 396 confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), including 33 deaths, in 2022, the most recent year there are full records for. This number represents a near doubling compared to the 205 cases reported the previous year, which was during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Pre-pandemic, in 2018-2019, there were 525 cases. These figures reveal that the highest number of cases of IMD were found among 15 to 19-year-olds and 45 to 65-year-olds. Like flu, a high fever may be the first sign—usually sudden and severe—accompanied by shivering, chills and extreme fatigue. Children and adults alike may complain of muscle aches, general malaise and feeling 'off'. In babies, the symptoms can be more vague. They may refuse feeds, become unusually irritable or lethargic, or have a weak, high-pitched cry. Parents may notice their child is difficult to wake or not responding as usual. These early signs are easy to dismiss—but in cases of meningitis or sepsis, time is everything. Classic signs of meningitis One of the hallmarks of bacterial meningitis is an intense headache, often described as worse than any previous headache. This is typically accompanied by stiffness in the neck—with the person unable to bend their head forward without pain. Bright light may become unbearable, and nausea or vomiting often follow. As inflammation around the brain and spinal cord worsens, people can become confused or drowsy. Speech may become slurred, and seizures are not uncommon. In babies, the soft spot on the top of the head—known as the fontanelle—may bulge, and they may appear stiff or, in contrast, unusually floppy. Gut symptoms that can be misleading Both flu and meningitis can also affect the stomach and digestive system, which may add to the confusion. Many patients experience nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain—symptoms that can easily be mistaken for a tummy bug. But if these signs occur alongside a fever or any of the above neurological or circulatory changes, they should raise immediate red flags. In some cases, especially among younger children, diarrhoea may also be present — making it all the more difficult to distinguish from common viral illnesses. Rapid changes in behaviour Perhaps most frightening among symptoms are the behavioural changes. In young children, this might take the form of clinginess or a refusal to be held. Older children and teenagers may become withdrawn or behave oddly. Adults can become disorientated, struggle to follow conversations, or act irrationally. Some lapse into delirium or even unconsciousness. Doctors urge families to trust their instincts. If someone seems 'not quite right'—especially in combination with other symptoms—medical attention should be sought immediately. The rash that doesn't fade Meningococcal blood poisoning, which occurs when the bacteria enter the bloodstream, can lead to one of the most well-known signs: a purplish rash that doesn't fade when pressed. At first it may look like tiny pinpricks—often on the torso, arms or legs—but can rapidly develop into larger, bruise-like blotches. Crucially, this rash is often a late sign—so waiting for it to appear can be deadly. Some patients never develop a rash at all. In others, it appears just before they become critically ill. Signs of septic shock Once the bacteria begin to circulate in the blood, they can trigger a severe inflammatory response known as septic shock. This is life-threatening and requires immediate emergency treatment. At this point, the skin may appear pale, mottled or greyish. Hands and feet may turn cold, despite a high fever. The heart begins to race and breathing becomes shallow or rapid. In severe cases, the patient may collapse and become unresponsive. Children may complain of severe limb or joint pain. Doctors often check for delayed capillary refill—when pressing the skin and releasing fails to restore colour quickly—a key indicator of shock. Don't delay seeking help Doctors agree: if you are worried, don't wait. Go straight to A&E or call 999. Do not delay because a symptom is 'mild' or 'not quite matching the textbook'. Diagnosis is confirmed with blood tests and, in suspected meningitis, a lumbar puncture to check for bacteria in the spinal fluid. Treatment is urgent and usually involves intravenous antibiotics and intensive care support. The earlier it starts, the better the outcome. Vaccines have dramatically reduced the number of cases, but no vaccine protects against all strains. Teenagers, university students, and babies are especially vulnerable—and outbreaks still occur in schools, nurseries and halls of residence. Every year in the UK, hundreds are affected. Around one in ten do not survive. Others are left with life-altering aftereffects, including limb loss, hearing damage or memory problems. Knowing the symptoms could save a life.
Daily Mail
13 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Sky dive instructor, 30, was training to be a chiropractor before plunging 15,000ft to his death in tragic tandem jump with 'adventurous' mother-of-four
The sky dive instructor who plunged 15,000ft to his death alongside an 'adventurous' mother-of-four had been in training to become a chiropractor. Adam Harrison, 30, from Bournemouth, and Belinda Taylor, 48, from Totnes, died in the tragic incident at Dunkeswell Airfireld in Devon on Friday afternoon. Devon and Cornwall Police today confirmed the two identities as their heartbroken families try to come to terms with the enormous grief. Mr Harrison's loved ones yesterday described him as 'the most wonderful and talented self-driven man'. And it has now come to light that the 30-year-old had been lining up a new profession, one he tragically said was set to provide him with 'a bright future'. While continuing his 'passion' as a self-employed sky dive instructor, Mr Harrison had been attending AECC University College in Bournemouth as a full-time 'Chiropractic Student'. His family yesterday said he was 'on the brink of qualifying' and embarking on the new career. Paying tribute to their 'beloved son, brother, uncle and friend', they added: 'He showed everyone that you could do anything if you work hard enough. 'We love you, Adam, more than you know. You were a hero to your nieces and nephews and we will never stop thinking about you. 'Adam had built a sterling reputation as a professional instructor, and we take comfort in knowing that he would undoubtedly have done everything in his power to avert any crisis.' A fitness enthusiast, Mr Harrison's first job on record was an an activity instructor to children in France. He then taught gymnastics and high ropes at places like GoApe before even working as a chalet host in the French alps. Mr Harrison joined GoSkydive in July 2017, where he learned to 'pack parachutes, harness and entertain customers' before being promoted to an instructor after years of training. He then left to take up a self-employed role at Skydive Buzz, in September 2021. Advertising the 15,000ft jump, the website reads: 'Once in a lifetime experience? Ticking the bucket list? Jumping for charity? Whatever your reason, if you can afford too; jump from the ultimate altitude! No-one jumps from higher in the UK!' Mr Harrison's family also paid their respects to Ms Taylor's loved ones, after the 48-year-old mother died with him in the tandem jump. They added: 'We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to all Belinda's family and friends. 'We are grateful for the outpouring of support and we will always remember Adam as the man who loved life, and everyone that he came into contact with.' Ms Taylor's son, Elias, 20, spoke yesterday to MailOnline and told how his mother had been becoming more 'adventurous' after meeting her new boyfriend Scott Armstrong, who brought the jump for her as a present. The university student who lives in west London also revealed that she had been making jokes about making the jump on Friday the 13th, a date which often prompts superstitions. He said: 'She really just put everyone above herself. It's really difficult for (younger sister) Emily as she was the one living there with mum. 'I spoke to her a week before it happened. It's kind of weird thinking about it now, but at the time obviously she was saying how the jump would take place on Friday 13th and all those things... you don't really expect what happened to happened. 'She was mentioning it in a jokey way. 'It's all still a bit of a shock. Recently she had (boyfriend) Scott and two of his kids, and looked after them. She was getting more adventurous with him, kayaking and stuff, looking to have that excitement and have more fun. 'She talked for ages and ages, and always wanted to have a chat. She was such a positive person.' He added: 'We just want answers about what happened and how it could have happened. 'We want as much information as possible, we feel like it would help us be at peace.' Grieving partner Mr Armstrong has demanded information about what caused the tragedy, which is now being probed by the British Skydiving Board of Inquiry. Belinda Taylor's grieving partner Scott Armstrong paid tribute to her on Facebook Ms Taylor's ex-husband Bachir Baaklini was also in tears as he described wanting 'justice' for Ms Taylor, with whom he shares two biological children, Elias and Emily, 13. Speaking at his family home in west London, Mr Baaklini told MailOnline: 'We want her to rest in peace but we need justice. 'This should not have happened. We have got to know why the kids lost their mum.' Mr Baaklini, a restauranteur of Lebanese origin, described how the pair had a 'really good, positive' relationship in the last five years, and that Ms Taylor particularly got on with his wife. He laughed as he recalled: 'I used to see her every two or three weeks, she used to speak to my wife more than me. 'Every time I send her a message of two words or something, she will send a five-or ten-minute voice note. 'The minute I answer back she sends another ten-minute message, so I left it to my wife. My wife and her got on really well. 'But I feel really guilty because I am not going to hear her voice again. She came and stayed with us two or three weeks ago because she came to pick Emily up.' He added: 'She had two step sons and they call me "dad", today is Father's Day and they messaged me. We all got on so well.' Mr Armstrong revealed how he watched in horror as it happened - after buying her the jump as a present. He wrote on social media: 'I want answers. Today, they took my world away.' He added: 'I miss you so much, you were my best friend, thank you for everything you done for me. From making my children feel at home to putting up with my mess. 'I'm so lost without you. There's just so much that I don't have the words to express it. I feel so lost I don't know where home is without you.' He has also described buying the sky dive jump experience for Ms Taylor, also a grandmother-of-two, as a 'thank you' gesture - and witnessed what happened it alongside his nine-year-old son. He told the Mirror: 'The plan was to do a 7,000ft jump, but at the last minute she said she wanted to do a 15,000ft one, so I paid the extra money. They were the last group to go up. 'I found Belinda and the instructor lying there, still together, both clearly dead. It was a horrific sight. 'I miss her so much. I'm so lost without her. She meant the world to all of us and we'll never forget her. She was an adrenaline junkie and an adventurer. She'd done kayaking and all sorts.' A friend told MailOnline that Mr Armstrong was 'not in a good place', saying: 'He's absolutely devastated. He knows something's not right. 'He's not a silly boy, he knows when something's wrong. She had never done it before. It was something she always wanted to do so Scott paid for it for her. 'He's absolutely traumatised and that she's gone.' Meanwhile, other tributes to Ms Taylor have been given - with her eldest son Connor Bowles telling DevonLive: 'On Friday, June 13, our family lost our mum Belinda Taylor. 'She was a mother of four children, three adult boys and one teenage girl, and a grandmother to two young children. 'She was a selfless woman who wanted only the best for others and especially her loved ones. 'She will be deeply missed and will leave an everlasting impression on all those she has met in life. 'We as a family would like to ask for peace and privacy during this time whilst we grieve our loss and remember our mum as we should do.' Ms Taylor had three adult sons and a teenage daughter, as well as welcoming Mr Armstrong's nine-year-old son. Other witnesses who were at the site on Friday have described the scene, with one saying: 'My husband and I were there when this awful tragedy happened. 'He was all harnessed up ready to do the next jump when they cancelled it and evacuated the area. 'The emergency services arrived incredibly quickly. Such devastating news and heartfelt condolences to the families of both victims.' 'He was all harnessed up ready to do the next jump when they cancelled it and evacuated the area. Another witness added: 'My husband and I were at the cafe waiting to be served when the cafe was told to close with no reason given. 'We left, rather disgruntled at missing out on our coffee. Surprising how things are put in to perspective when you know the facts. 'Our thoughts and condolences are with all those affected by this very sad tragedy.' British Skydiving chief executive Robert Gibson earlier posted online: 'Today, Friday 13 June 2025, British Skydiving has been notified of a tragic accident in which two jumpers lost their lives. 'Our deepest condolences go to their families, friends and the entire skydiving community. 'A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will investigate the accident. 'Once complete, a report - setting out the Board's conclusions and any recommendations - will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the CAA, the British Skydiving Safety & Training Committee (STC) and any other relevant authorities. 'No further details will be provided at this time. We respectfully ask for privacy for all those affected at this difficult time.' Devon and Cornwall Police said today: 'Two people who died following a sky dive in Devon have been named. 'Emergency services were called to the area of Dunkeswell Aerodrome at around 1pm on Friday 13 June following concerns for the welfare of two people. 'Sadly, two sky divers were both confirmed deceased at the scene and their families have been informed. 'They have been named as Belinda Taylor, 48, from Totnes, and Adam Harrison, 30, from Bournemouth. 'Enquiries remain ongoing by police, British Skydiving and East Devon District Council Environmental Health and Safety Office. 'If anyone has information which may assist us, please call 101 or report via our website quoting 50250150193.' A spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority said: 'We are aware of the incident and of our thoughts are of course with the friends and family at this difficult time.' The CAA added they could not comment any further due to the ongoing investigation. They said: 'We will work closely with the relevant authorities to understand what happened and are awaiting the report into the incident.' It comes after a separate skydiver was feared to have taken her own life in a 10,000ft fall from the sky in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham. Jade Damarell, 32, an experienced parachutist who had accomplished more than 400 jumps, died instantly after hitting the ground during a jump at the base. Police quickly ruled out any suspicious circumstances and were understood to have discovered notes disclosing her intentions. MailOnline understands that Ms Damarell, from Caerphilly, south Wales, had broken up with her boyfriend the day prior to taking to the skies.
Daily Mail
15 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Doctors dismissed my pregnant daughter, 19, when she complained of dizziness. Days later she collapsed and died - and then the unimaginable happened
A mother has revealed her devastation after her daughter and her newborn granddaughter died just hours apart. Justine Ryan, from Atherton, Greater Manchester, had been so excited when her daughter, Mellodie-Ocean Jarman, announced she was having a baby. But 33 weeks into the pregnancy, Mellodie, who was just 19 and had no prior health issues, collapsed on her way to a 4D scan and later passed away on February 2. It was later revealed she'd suffered a pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. Mellodie's baby daughter, Athena-Pearl, was delivered seven weeks early and survived on life-support for just 16 hours before being laid in her mother's arms. The tragedy came little more than a day after 'fit and healthy' Mellodie complained of feeling faint and dizzy during a routine pregnancy scan on January 31 and was sent home with medication and antibiotics. But by the following evening at 11.20pm, Mellodie began to complain she was having difficulties breathing and struggling to see and an ambulance was called. Shortly after the call was made, the teenager fell unconscious and stopped breathing, collapsing into her mother's arms. Paramedics desperately tried to revive her by performing CPR and she was rushed to the Royal Bolton Hospital. Doctors there carried out an emergency C-section and Mellodie gave birth to baby Athena-Pearl seven weeks early, at 12.32am on Sunday. Tragically Mellodie died around 80 minutes after the operation while tiny Athena-Pearl died hours later. Now, Mellodie's mother, Justine, 52, has spoken for the first time of her family's devastation and says she cannot bear to move anything in Mellodie's room, which was ready to welcome their new arrival. Mother-of-five Justine says: 'Mellodie was my only daughter, and I am lost without her. We were so looking forward to the birth of her little girl. It still does not feel real that they are gone. 'My only comfort is that they are together. That image of Mellodie cradling her baby in her coffin will live with me forever.' Mellodie was nicknamed 'Boo' by her family, because she wore her hair in little pigtails like the character from Monsters Inc. when she was little. Justine says: 'Mellodie was kind-hearted and loving. She loved singing and dancing and baking. She was sassy and had a great sense of humour. With four brothers, she loved to boss everyone about and keep them all in line. We called her our Queen. 'She was like an extra arm for me, she was a great help with the little ones, and she took responsibility for all the technology like the apps for school and the ring doorbell. She was especially close to her uncles Steven and Conor.' Mellodie met her boyfriend Daniel Darbyshire in high school and, for three years, had admired him from afar. In June 2022, she wrote in her diary: 'Happy news!....after three years, he finally asked me to be his.' Justine says: 'Mellodie skipped home from school that day, she was so happy when Daniel asked her out and they were very much in love.' After leaving school, Mellodie and Daniel both worked at a local Wetherspoons and in August 2024, Mellodie discovered she was pregnant. Justine says: 'Mellodie had problems with irregular periods, so we'd made an appointment with the doctor. Beforehand, I told her to do a pregnancy test. I just had a feeling, a mother's intuition. 'Mellodie didn't for a minute think she was pregnant, and she was shocked. She and Daniel were only young, but they soon got used to the idea. They lived with me and began planning for the baby. 'Again, I had a feeling she was carrying a little girl, and I was right. They chose the name Athena-Pearl, we started buying baby girl clothes and we got all the equipment she needed. Our whole family was excited.' The pregnancy went well until, in January 2025, Mellodie began feeling breathless. Justine says: 'We told the midwife who said she was low on iron and needed to have more snacks. Another time they said the extra weight would be affecting her breathing. 'But on the way home from the surgery we had to stop several times for her to get her breath, and it didn't seem right to me.' On January 31, at 33 weeks, Mellodie had booked a 4D scan. But on her way there, she collapsed. Justine says: 'Daniel and I managed to catch her as she fell on the platform, and we got an ambulance. In the hospital, they thought her breathlessness was due to panic, along with low iron levels. 'They got her to breathe in and out slowly and have a glass of water and discharged her with antibiotics and liquid iron supplements. She had been complaining of pain in her groin, but the checks on the baby were fine which was a relief.' The following evening, Daniel was planning a last night out with his friends before the baby came. The family enjoyed a Chinese takeaway, and Justine went to bed around 10.30pm. She says: 'I was woken after 11pm by Mellodie shouting that she'd fallen. I got her into the bathroom, and I realised she was disorientated. I called an ambulance and tried to get her to breathe slowly, as the hospital had advised. 'But then she suddenly fell forwards into my arms. Her eyes rolled back, and I went into panic. I realised she wasn't breathing. I screamed for my son to ring the ambulance back, to come quickly. 'The paramedics arrived but it was 45 minutes before they moved her, and I was hysterical. I followed the ambulance to hospital, and I met Daniel and Steven there.' Baby Athena was delivered within a few moments of arrival and placed on life-support. Tragically, at 1.52am, Mellodie was declared deceased. Justine says: 'She was only 19 years old, she was perfectly fit and healthy. I couldn't take it in. But Athena was on life support, and so I had to focus on her. That was what Mellodie would have wanted. 'We were allowed to see Mellodie and, when the tubes and wires were removed, I could give her a proper cuddle.' Baby Athena clung to life but as the hours passed, the doctors warned she wasn't going to make it. Justine says: 'The nurses lifted her into a portable incubator, and we took her to the mortuary so she could be laid with her mummy. 'We took photos, handprints, and had cuddles and Athena's life-support was terminated there, in her mother's arms, at 6.24pm. Afterwards, Daniel pushed Athena in her pram back to the neo-natal unit. 'Steven bathed and dressed her, ready for our final goodbye. Mellodie had been really looking forward to doing all those firsts with her baby daughter and now, she would never get the chance. 'Leaving the hospital was surreal; I could never in my worst nightmares have imagined I would lose my daughter and granddaughter together. 'In the days afterwards, the NHS appointments kept coming for Mellodie, another scan, another blood test. It felt very cruel. 'I couldn't bear to move a thing from her bedroom, all the baby clothes are still there, waiting. It was horrendous for Daniel; he'd been about to start a new family, and it had been snatched away from him. 'Mellodie had been planning to book a football tour for Daniel for Valentine's and so we arranged it and Steven and her older brother, Devon, took him.' Mellodie and Athena-Pearl were cremated together, and Justine chose Paloma Faith's 'Only Love Can Hurt Like This' which was special to them. Mother and daughter were carried in a white horse and carriage, in a white coffin, and Steven prepared a 10 page 'Celebration of Life' containing photos and memories. The family have since learned, according to a pathologist's report provided to them, that Mellodie-Ocean died of pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis and third trimester pregnancy. Her daughter, who was due in seven weeks, passed away from severe hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy with multiorgan dysfunction, prematurity, and maternal cardiac arrest. Justine says: 'Her left leg was not red or noticeably swollen or painful. But she was breathless and unwell. Nothing will bring Mellodie back, but we hope other pregnant mothers, and health professionals, will learn from our story. 'If Mellodie had been kept in hospital after that first collapse, perhaps she could have been saved. If Athena-Pearl had been delivered earlier, maybe she'd have made it. We will never know the answers. 'But I am speaking out so that other lives can be saved, in Mellodie's memory. My only comfort is that they are together, and Athena-Pearl is in her mother's arms, where she belongs.' Mellodie's grief-stricken partner Daniel, 18, said he has been left 'lost and heartbroken' by his partner and daughter's deaths. He said: 'We were both excited to become partners and had our whole lives to look forward to. I haven't just lost my partner and daughter. I have lost my world, my dreams, and my safety blanket.' Health bosses overseeing The Royal Bolton Hospital said in February that an investigation into the double death tragedy had been launched. Dr Francis Andrews, Medical Director at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'Our heartfelt condolences are with the family and friends of Mellodie-Ocean and Athena-Pearl at this incredibly difficult time, and we are doing everything we can to support them. 'As with any unexpected death we will be carrying out a full and thorough investigation and will keep the family informed as that progresses.' The heartbroken family have since thanked medical staff at the Royal Bolton Hospital for their efforts in trying to save the lives of both Mellodie and baby Athena-Pearl. 'We would like to express our gratitude to the team at Bolton from the emergency department for working so very hard to save Mellodie, and to the neonatal unit and all the team on shift that Saturday night and Sunday for trying to save Athena,' they said in a statement. 'Your love, caring, and kind support were very much needed, and you made every effort to make us feel safe. 'The team at the mortuary and our bereavement key worker have been so understanding and caring toward the whole family. 'It was paramount to see that this event has touched everyone involved, and as much as we are struggling to come to terms with this whole situation, we can see that all involved are very much affected. 'So, from the bottom of my heart, we would like to say thank you for being kind and caring at a moment in life that is really needed.'
