Family endures unimaginable loss after two daughters die within months
Melissa Mae Carlton and her husband, Tom, have faced two devastating losses in less than a year. Their daughter Abigail passed away in April 2024 at the age of nine. Then, on Christmas morning 2025, their youngest daughter, Molly, died after a sudden medical complication.
Melissa had been openly sharing her grief over Abigail’s death just weeks before Molly fell ill. She described the pain as 'hard and confusing', explaining that moments of happiness were still shadowed by deep sadness. The family had already adjusted their Christmas traditions to honour Abigail, including crafting 'Abi angels' for the tree and framing her holiday pyjamas.
Doctors later revealed that Molly’s condition was likely genetic and rarely survivable. They also suspected Abigail may have had the same undiagnosed heart issue. Molly’s illness progressed rapidly, leading to a brief hospital stay before her death on Christmas Day.
Melissa admitted she was still processing Abigail’s loss when Molly became unwell. She spoke about how grief forces people to relive their pain in unexpected ways. The couple had also chosen not to decorate for Christmas in the usual way, as Melissa felt it wouldn’t feel right without Abigail.
The family now faces the stages of grief after the loss of two children within months. Doctors believe a genetic heart condition may have contributed to both deaths. Melissa continues to share her journey, highlighting the raw and ongoing reality of grief.
