Shock as ‘young, healthy’ 24-year-old Aussie dies suddenly
The family of a 24-year-old from Sydney have shared a heartfelt message for other Aussies after suffering a “catastrophic” loss.
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The family of a “young and healthy” 24-year-old Aussie who died suddenly have described their “catastrophic” loss.
Christine Visnjic, from Sydney, woke one morning with an unexplained leg pain more than a month after returning from a 3-week holiday to Japan.
But on the drive to the hospital to get it checked out, Ms Visnjic’s symptoms worsened and the warehouse manager suffered a seizure on the side of the road on January 10.
Just 72 hours later, Ms Visnjic was dead, with the exact cause a mystery.
“It came out of nowhere, it happened so quick,” her brother Jason told news.com.au.
“She returned from Japan on December 6 and felt no alarming pain or obvious signs to even see a GP.
“On the morning she was admitted to hospital, she was awake for about 1.5 hours and still felt no alarming pain.”
Scans revealed Christine had suffered a bilateral stroke, disrupting blood flow to both sides of her brain that was caused by a “a blood clot in her leg that broke off and travelled up to her lung, then to her heart and then to her brain”, he said.
Christine, described as a “young beautiful, healthy girl who was full of energy and love for others” had her life “tragically cut short,” Jason added on a GoFundMe page set up with the assistance of her colleagues at Amazon to go towards the costs of a headstone.
“Her tragedy was a full shock to her family, friends and the wider community who are deeply saddened by her passing,” he said.
“She was 24 years young and had no warning of such event and despite of all of the help that could be offered from the best available medical facilities and professionals, her life could not be saved.
“Her heart lasted for 20 minutes after opting out of life support, which shows that she had a strong heart.
“She was fortunate to pass without suffering or pain and laid beautifully to rest.”
A post announcing her “shock” death on Facebook described her family’s “sorrow” at delivering the “catastrophic news of Christine passing away”.
Many flooded the announcement with tributes to the “hardworking” young woman.
“Christine was so loved and favourited by her girls, we are so sorry for the loss of Christine,” one wrote.
“Such shocking and devastating news, deepest condolences to the whole family,” another wrote.
Another commenter added: “She was such a kind person and very much loved, we’re so sorry.”
Jason said in the hours before her death, Ms Visnjic had been lounging on her bed when she “noticed discomfort and called our mother who discovered something was wrong”.
“I was with her, along with cousins, the night before at dinner and she did not describe any pain or discomfort,” he told news.com.au.
“Westmead Hospital is only about 2km from us, but about 500 metres down the road she told my dad to stop the car to vomit. So he stopped the car, he opened the door, she shifted herself to lean over the side, and then she experienced a seizure.”
The family said they suspect Ms Visnjic contracted deep vein thrombosis (DVT) while travelling during her recent trip, but declined an autopsy “as she passed beautifully”.
“The issue was very likely because of air travel. We just want people to better profile themselves of the risk and be alert of any signs. Do not ignore them.”
He also shared heartfelt message of warning to other Aussies, stating “life is so delicate”.
“We want people to be mindful that life is precious, that even at a young age it can go without warning.
“Make time with family and loved ones, don’t chase the dollars thinking life can be enjoyed later. Christine is a reminder for us of what life is all about.”
Originally published as Shock as ‘young, healthy’ 24-year-old Aussie dies suddenly
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