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Rockingham mother dies from rare embolism during childbirth

Safety Bay High School cheer-dance specialist Kymberlie Shepherd, right, and partner Wayde Kelly.

A father has spoken of his anguish at losing his fiancee as she gave birth to their first child.

Safety Bay Senior High School teacher Kymberlie Shepherd died last Thursday of an amniotic fluid embolism - a rare complication that occurs 6.1 times in every 100,000 deliveries.

Wayde Kelly said one minute he was holding his fiancee's hand as she gave him the thumbs up and the next minute she was gone.

"None of the doctors there had ever seen this happen - we are all just in complete disbelief and shock," he said.

Mr Kelly said Miss Shepherd never even had a chance to hold her son Kyden.

Friends and colleagues have left tributes to Miss Shepherd on Facebook.

Dana Lalich said her death left many dance students in the area shattered.

"Our hearts go out to her dear baby, partner and all of her friends and family. Dance among the stars beautiful girl," she said.

"I'm going to miss her so much xx she was taken from us way to early xx she's truly the most amazing person ever!!" wrote Taleisha Ballard.

Safety Bay Senior High School students have set up a fund with the aim to raise $100,000 for Kyden and Mr Kelly.

The students are being supported in their fundraising efforts by the South Perth Rugby League Club, where Mr Kelly was a member.