Stefanie Smith, a 41-year-old mother of two went on a vacation with her boyfriend to the Dominican Republic. According to Smith’s friend, Maria Yannotti, who joined Smith on vacation, nothing seemed unusual during the trip. Yannotti described Smith as being very active during the vacation, such as running on the beach and going to the gym, which wasn’t unusual for her. She also maintained an active lifestyle when she was at home in Indiana.

On February 28, 2024, when it was time to head home from the vacation, Smith even posed for a group photo with some of the hotel staff. Nobody knew at the time that would be one of the last photos of Smith.

Yannotti was traveling separately from Smith, so the last time she saw her friend was in the Dominican Republic; however, Smith flew home with her boyfriend. Something horrible and unexpected happened shortly after takeoff.

Smith’s boyfriend was sitting right next to her, and he noticed that she didn’t look well. At first, he thought she was just goofing around, which they sometimes do to mess with each other, but then she started convulsing.

According to a statement released by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, the plane, which was en route to Charlotte, North Carolina, made an emergency landing in Turks and Caicos. While in the air, Smith received CPR. After landing at the Providenciales International Airport, she was transported to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where doctors pronounced her death.

Smith’s brother, Chris Volz, shared that he is not aware of any preexisting medical conditions that his sister had. She seemed perfectly healthy before she got on the plane. Her death is currently under investigation.

Watch the video below for more about this shocking and sad story.

Smith is survived by her two teenage children and her brother.