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Devastated partner John Shaw returning without his wife and baby from US after outpouring of support

THE devastated partner of a woman and baby who died in Las Vegas is due to arrive in Adelaide today.

Natasha Angie and John Shaw in Nashville, USA. Supplied
Natasha Angie and John Shaw in Nashville, USA. Supplied

THE devastated partner of a woman who died in Las Vegas with their unborn baby is due to arrive in Adelaide today.

John Shaw’s return to South Australia comes as a generous outpouring of support by the public has raised almost $30,000 in just a few days to support him and the Murray Bridge couple’s three children, Kyeesha, 10, Josiah, 8, and Jacquon, 3.

Mr Shaw and Natasha Angie, 28, who was 26 weeks pregnant with their fourth child, were holidaying in the US when she suddenly developed a rare form of pre-­eclampsia, a pregnancy complication that claimed both her life and that of their unborn baby boy.

Mr Shaw told his family that his partner’s last words to him were “I love you” before she died on Saturday at the Sunrise Hospital & Medical Centre in Las Vegas.

He also said he cradled his stillborn son after he was delivered.

Ms Angie’s aunty, Ann Newchurch, and uncle, Rex Angie, told The Advertiser the family was “overwhelmed” by the public’s kindness in donating funds to an online appeal.

“This goes to show the humanity out there that people do support people in tough times,” Ms Newchurch said.

Natasha Angie with two of her children, Josiah, now 8, and Kyeesha, now 10.                         Photo supplied by family.
Natasha Angie with two of her children, Josiah, now 8, and Kyeesha, now 10. Photo supplied by family.

“We’ve got family members with tears walking out of the house (and) we’re taking a ­moment to grasp what we see.”

Although the couple had travel insurance, it was not known at first whether both Ms Angie and their baby boy could be returned home in the one casket, as the family requested.

However, Ms Newchurch said talks with the US consulate and Border Protection in Australia had ensured their wish to bring the bodies home together would be met.

“That gives us peace knowing that approval has been done,” Ms Newchurch said.

“Their travel insurance will pick up the costs even though baby wasn’t covered.”

Ms Newchurch said the family hoped both Ms Angie and her baby would be back in Australia this weekend or early next week.

She said their focus now was to get them — and Mr Shaw — home. “Our priority is to make sure they get back into their own country,” she said.

There are two online funding appeals for the family — one started by a charity in the US when it heard of Mr Shaw’s situation and another started by the family in Australia.

All money raised is now being directed to the Australian site and will be combined to support Mr Shaw and his three children as they come to terms with losing their partner and mother.

On both online pages, strangers had donated as little as $5 and up to $500, each with messages of support.

“I’m so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. Much strength to the family at this time,” one person wrote.

“We wish you peace and closure with light and love,” another said.

For more information on how to support the family visit:https://www.gofundme.com/24u4jx8

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/devastated-partner-john-shaw-returning-without-his-wife-and-baby-from-us-after-outpouring-of-support/news-story/7d01be74099afb69d40e6f8dc588eee6