A heartbroken Australian father is remembering his late wife as “the most beautiful, loving and trustworthy human being”, who was “hardworking, disciplined and intelligent”, three weeks after she died giving birth to their son.
Victorian woman Stacey Hatfield, also known as Stacey Warnecke, died in hospital after giving birth at home on September 29, following “an unforeseen and extremely rare complication”.
Stacey’s husband, Nathan, announced her death on social media on Sunday, saying that despite the best efforts of doctors, “who did the utmost to help,” nothing could be done to save her.
Stacey, a popular nutritionist and food content creator, ran the online business ‘Natural Spoonfuls’ from Melbourne. Nathan, a surveyor, described his wife as his “lighthouse in the storm”.
“I knew Stace for nine amazing years, she was the light of my life and the reason I got up in the morning,” he said in an emotional post. “Words can’t do justice to how devastating this is for myself and everyone who knew and loved her.
“She was my lighthouse in the storm, and the world is less bright without her in it. She made me the man I am today, and everything I have in life is all thanks to her.”
Nathan and Stacey’s son, Axel, is understood to be in good health after his home birth.
Ambulance Victoria confirmed to Yahoo News it is aware of the incident, but is unable to comment on the case for privacy reasons.
Stacey’s husband, Nathan, has paid tribute to his ‘soulmate’, described as the ‘most caring, intelligent and compassionate’ human. Source: GFM/Instagram
Stacey Warnecke, née Hatfield, remembered by loved ones
Nathan said the happiest day of his life was “getting to marry her, my best friend, on a white sand beach in the Maldives.”
An online fundraiser has been established to assist Nathan with funeral funds, as well as baby supplies and costs associated with the unexpected time he will have to take from work.
Describing the pair on GoFundMe, organisers said the couple were “soulmates” who “shared a love for travel, their dog Winter and living a simple, quiet life”.
“They had a goal to buy a house, but their dream was to one day build a home and raise a family. They were excited for the birth of their child. Stacey, however, was only able to experience the joy of her new baby boy for a few short moments,” organiser Jon said.
“Now, Nathan has a newborn baby and is left to navigate life from here as a single father. The challenge to provide all that a young child needs without his soulmate is a daunting one, whilst dealing with such a tragic loss. Late-night feedings, nappy changes and adjustment to this new life are a heavy burden for a young father even with the support of family.”
When Nathan may be able to return to work is unknown, Jon added.
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