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Tributes pour in for 'devoted, gentle' mum of six after mystery death

Police are investigating what lead to the death of a Queensland mother, who had reportedly planned on having part of the birth of her sixth child at home.

Vicki Sturgess, 41, also known as Vicki Butler, died at Ipswich Hospital on December 27. She leaves behind six children.

News Corp has reported that Ms Sturgess had planned to have at least part of the birth at home.

A Queensland Police Service spokesman said officers are compiling a detailed report for the Coroner on the death of the a 41-year-old woman at Ipswich Hospital on December 27.

"The circumstances around the death are being investigated and it wouldn't be appropriate to provide further comment," the spokesman said.

An investigation is underway into how Vicki Sturgess died after giving birth. Source: Facebook/ Vicki Butler
An investigation is underway into how Vicki Sturgess died after giving birth. Source: Facebook/ Vicki Butler

On Facebook, Ms Sturgess’s brother, Cameron Butler confirmed her death and said she had given birth to a “healthy little boy”.

A GoFundMe page said Ms Sturgess “was a devoted, gentle, nurturing mother who worked hard to support her family”.

Her friend, Nadine Asmus, posted on Facebook that Ms Sturgess was a “dear, beautiful friend”.

“She lived a full and vibrant life, blessing so many people with her kindness and generosity. Her love and passion for her children, God, people, and life will not be forgotten,” Ms Asmus writes.

“We miss you terribly, but find comfort in knowing you are at peace now with Jesus. Even though it will be while before we see you, we will never forget you or stop loving you.”

According to News Corp, the 41-year-old was also a qualified teacher and a religious woman.

Ms Sturgess has been remembered as a 'devoted, gentle, nurturing mother'. Source: Facebook/ Nadine Asmus
Ms Sturgess has been remembered as a 'devoted, gentle, nurturing mother'. Source: Facebook/ Nadine Asmus

She home-schooled her children and was committed to a local group of parents who did the same. She had also planned on spending at least some of the labour at home.

Her friend, Angie Petersen, who also home-schools her four sons, said she wanted to labour at home as much as possible so her kids “could be part of the experience”.

But Ms Petersen said she had not mentioned giving birth at home. However, she did mention other friends in the home-schooling community had home birthed successfully but added, “I understand this was not the reason for her death as such”.

Ms Sturgess wanted her children around during labour, according to a friend. Source: GoFundMe
Ms Sturgess wanted her children around during labour, according to a friend. Source: GoFundMe

“She died in hospital, several hours after being admitted in good health,” she said.

Mr Butler said she died following the child birth due to complications. He added there would be an investigation, and only a “couple of people” knew exactly what happened.

He claims his sister would have “obtained medical advice”.