Dani Duchatel dies from blood clot following broken leg surgery

A young Brisbane woman, with dreams of travelling the world, has died suddenly, while playing cards with her parents at dinner. TRIBUTE HERE.

Dani Duchatel died suddenly when playing cards with her parents over dinner. Picture – supplied.

A young Brisbane woman with dreams of travelling the world has suddenly died during a card game with her parents.

Twenty-six-year-old government worker Dani Duchatel, of Brisbane, went into cardiac arrest on Sunday, May 21, and died just after 10pm while having dinner and playing a game of cards with her parents.

Her mother, Kay Duchatel, of Cashmere, attempted CPR but could not save her beloved daughter and best friend.

Dani Duchatel died suddenly when playing cards with her parents over dinner. Picture – supplied.

Ms Duchatel had been living with her parents at the time, since she was recovering from a surgery.

She was very close with her parents, particularly her mother.

Just a month before her sudden death, Ms Duchatel tripped over while walking home from spending time with friends, broke her leg and some ligaments.

She had an emergency surgery and a plate was put in her leg.

Dani Duchatel with her mother Kay Duchatel. Picture – supplied.

Doctors believed due to the surgery a blood clot had formed that travelled to her lung and caused a pulmonary embolism. As a result she went into cardiac arrest and couldn’t be saved.

However they are still waiting on autopsy results to confirm.

Mrs Duchatel’s friend who has known her daughter for more than 10 years, Chantelle Lay, said the family was deep in the depths of grief.

Her father, Gary Duchatel, had just lost his mother, who had been living with them for 20 years, about two months ago.

“The family is absolutely devastated and will be taking quite some time off work,” she said.

Dani Duchatel with her father Gary and brother Kye. Picture – supplied.

Her older brother Kye Duchatel, 30, was also heartbroken.

Ms Lay started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to support the Duchatel family in their grief.

She said Ms Duchatel was a very special young woman, with big dreams that she’d never get to live out.

“Dani was a very quiet but vibrant person,” Ms Lay said.

Dani Duchatel died suddenly when playing cards with her parents over dinner. Picture – supplied.

“She was jovial and funny. A very empathetic and kind human being. She was a real gentle soul.

“She was the kind of person who would do anything to help anyone and was very loving and supportive of everyone.”

Dani Duchatel died suddenly when playing cards with her parents over dinner. Picture – supplied.

She had saved up over the years and gone on many overseas adventures, bought a new car, and had just bought a unit in the city.

“She loved quilting, reading and travelling,” Ms Lay said.

“She’s spent a lot of time overseas travelling with Kirsty, her best friend from primary school

“She was a big reader and just loved books and was also an animal lover.

Dani Duchatel died suddenly when playing cards with her parents over dinner. Picture – supplied.

“Dani had this massive dog and had just adopted a new kitten. They’re gorgeous and she adored them.”

Ms Duchatel’s parents were incredibly proud of her, her achievements, and her dreams.

“She had plans to travel more and see the world,” Ms Lay said.

“She would have gone everywhere and anywhere if she could.

“She just wanted to see and experience it all.”

You can donate to support her family here.