A mother of two mysteriously passed away during her return flight home from the Dominican Republic. According to her family, 41-year-old Stefanie Smith died from natural causes, specifically a carotid artery dissection in her neck. Her brother, Chris Volz, told ABC News on Wednesday that the autopsy results do not indicate any foul play in her death.
Smith had traveled to the Dominican Republic for a romantic couples’ getaway with her boyfriend, joining close friends Maria Yannotti and Clay Sharpe at the luxurious all-inclusive Iberostar Grand Bavaro resort in Punta Cana. However, tragedy struck just minutes into her flight home, when she started convulsing and was declared dead after the plane diverted to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The cause of Smith’s death was initially a mystery, as family and friends were not aware of any preexisting health conditions. Yannotti, who had been on vacation with Smith, described her as a picture of health, using the hotel gym and going for runs on the beach.
Yannotti spoke highly of their vacation at the Grand Bavaro, describing it as a five-star, secure, and well-maintained resort with great food. The group of friends, who had been drinking socially but not to excess, did not leave the resort during their stay.
According to Yannotti, the last day of their trip went smoothly, with the group enjoying the beach and the resort’s amenities before having dinner at an on-site restaurant. Smith and her boyfriend even spent an hour reflecting on their vacation and discussing future plans before saying goodbye.
Yannotti was flying home several hours after Smith’s flight, and the two were texting back and forth until Smith’s final message at 4:55 pm. Just over an hour later, air traffic controllers in the Turks and Caicos were alerted to a medical emergency on Smith’s flight, and she was declared dead upon landing.
The news of Smith’s death shocked her family and friends, who described her as an energetic and fun-loving person. According to Yannotti, Smith had just gone through a divorce and had recently met her current partner. She had a successful career at OrthoIndy Hospital in Indianapolis and was the mother to two teenagers, Coen and Macee.
In the wake of Smith’s tragic passing, a GoFundMe campaign was set up to raise money for her children. The campaign has received an outpouring of support, with passengers from Smith’s flight among those who have donated.
The Dominican Republic has faced scrutiny in recent years after a string of American tourists died under mysterious circumstances. However, an FBI investigation found that the deaths were all unrelated and due to natural causes.
The investigation into Smith’s death is ongoing, but her family and friends have ruled out any speculation of foul play. They are awaiting the official autopsy report to provide closure and answers to their questions.
Smith’s passing has left a hole in the lives and hearts of those who knew her. Her loved ones remember her as a devoted mother, a loyal friend, and a vibrant person who will be deeply missed. The community is mourning the loss of a woman who had so much to live for and was taken too soon.
