Influencer reveals youngest child died on Christmas just months after 9-year-old daughter’s shock death

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Melissa and Tom Carlton are heartbroken over the recent loss of their daughter, Molly.

As a lot of you know, this Christmas was particularly special for my family. My sweet Molly finally got to be reunited with her big sister, Abi. It meant the world to us, especially after losing Abi back in April. It was a truly heartwarming moment.

It’s the only thing offering me a little peace. Molly was heartbroken over her sister and would frequently ask me, “Mommy, when will Jesus return so Abi can come back?”

It’s with a heavy heart I share the incredibly sad news of young Abi, who tragically lost her life to sepsis at just nine years old. My thoughts are also with a couple who are grieving the loss of their daughter, Molly, though they’ve chosen to keep her age and the details surrounding her passing private. It’s a reminder to cherish every moment and hold loved ones close.

Hours later, Melissa returned to Instagram with more details. 

I’m sharing a medical update even though we don’t have a final diagnosis yet, but I think it’s important to let everyone know we’ve learned something. Doctors now believe Molly had a heart problem caused by her genes, and they suspect her sister, Abi, may have had the same condition.

I just had to share this, you guys. It’s about Harry and Lily, and Tom and me, but honestly, it’s bigger than that. I’m putting this out there because I think it could really help other families who’ve gone through the unimaginable – losing a child to SUDC. It feels so important, like this information needs to be shared, you know?

We understood Molly’s condition better because doctors could closely observe her in the hospital, something we couldn’t do for Abi. I’ve always felt the explanations we received about Abi weren’t good enough.

She explained that if Abi had the same heart problem, even a small sickness could possibly cause a serious and unexpected cardiac event.

Molly died on Christmas Day following a sudden hospitalization. 

Melissa remembered that morning as being full of little blessings. She said paramedics were conveniently located nearby and arrived very quickly.

The pediatric trauma center was just fifteen minutes away, which was a huge relief. They had everything needed to give her the best possible care, and we felt like she was in the right place. Despite her incredible fight, doctors explained that this kind of heart problem is rarely survivable.

Melissa shared how deeply affected everyone was, saying they felt heartbroken, shocked, and utterly confused. The day had been incredibly traumatic and exhausting, leaving them feeling numb and unable to process what had happened. She expressed that she simply wasn’t prepared for such pain and couldn’t believe it was real.

The social media personality, known for her faith-based art shop and large Instagram following of 80,000, has openly discussed Abi’s passing in the past.

In May, she posted a video montage of Abigail growing up – showing happy moments like family dinners and birthday celebrations – accompanied by a heartbreaking message: ‘Today, I was supposed to be watching my 10-year-old excitedly open gifts.’

Melissa thought about how suddenly Abigail had died, remembering that the little girl had been cheerful and playing with her brothers and sisters just the day before.

She woke up with a stomachache and started vomiting, which they first assumed was just a common illness. However, within three hours, Abigail tragically passed away.

She admitted the grief has taken a toll on her ability to appear ‘strong’ online. 

She recently shared how much she’s struggling, saying it’s a truly awful time. She deeply misses someone and finds it particularly painful because the holidays are traditionally meant to be joyful.

It’s our second Christmas since she passed away, and I’m finally starting to truly feel the weight of the loss. I’ve been coping as best I can, but now the sadness is really hitting me, and it’s hard to accept that she’s gone.

Melissa shared that she no longer wants a picture-perfect holiday. 

After losing a child, I’ve realized I no longer care about having a perfectly decorated house. I want it to feel warm, comfortable, and clearly show that it’s a home filled with the signs of children living and playing,” she shared on December 11.

I wish we hadn’t gotten two Christmas trees in the past – one for adults and one just for the kids. From now on, the tree will be entirely theirs, decorated with all the ornaments and handmade decorations they’ve created.

She shared how the family now honors Abi’s memory through special traditions, like creating ‘Abi angels,’ decorating the tree with ornaments from her childhood, and displaying one of her holiday pajamas as a keepsake.

‘This is what Christmas looks like now,’ Melissa concluded.

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2025-12-27 21:39