Sydney newlywed who died in Fiji to be flown home - as family reveals she died of pneumonia
The young Sydney bride who died while honeymooning in Fiji was suffering from bilateral pneumonia, her heartbroken family has revealed.
For Kelly Clarke and her new husband Chase, it was supposed to be the start of their new life together, but two days after complaining of a stomach pain, the young nurse had passed away.
The 24-year-old was rushed to hospital on Wednesday with what was initially thought to be typhoid.
The family has since revealed she died of severe bilateral pneumonia.
The young woman's parents have gone to Fiji to comfort her distraught husband and make arrangements to repatriate her body, which it is understood will cost more than $60,000.
Ms Clarke's body is expected to be flown home today, with her family expected to arrive home later today to begin the awful task of preparing for her funeral.
Ms Clarke's sister started a GoFundMe page to bring her home for emergency treatment, saying she had been placed in an induced coma due to organ failure and septicaemia.
It is understood the costs to return her body to Australia will be covered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and insurance, while the near $50,000 raised through crowdfunding will go to her 28-year-old widow.
Her brother Murray Shaw said Ms Clarke went into cardiac arrest five times within an hour and died before she could be medically evacuated.
"I spoke to her and she told me she was scared she was going to die," Mr Clake said.
"I told her I loved her, we're going to get out of here, everything's going to be okay."
Her brother Murray Shaw said the entire family has been left in a state of shock by her sudden death.
"You beautiful girl and amazing sister you will be deeply missed," he wrote in a Facebook post.
Mr Clarke described the agonising decision to direct medical staff to cease working on his new bride.
"I said stop and pushed everyone away and me and her mother just held her," he recalled.
The Westmead Children's Hospital where Ms Clarke was a registered nurse offered their heartfelt condolences.
"Kelly was a dedicated nurse who loved working with children and will be greatly missed by her colleagues and patients," a hospital spokeswoman said.
Friends and relatives paid tribute to Ms Clarke on social media, with one co-worker remembering "an amazing woman, a brilliant nurse and such a kind and gentle soul".
"She was one of the most beautiful, caring, giving people I have ever been lucky enough to meet," another person wrote.
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said it was providing consular assistance "to the family of an Australian woman who passed away in Fiji".
