Heartbroken husband dies 24 hours after wife, leaving six kids orphaned
A family of six children were left orphaned when both parents died suddenly within 24 hours of one another.
Jennifer Norsworthy, of Huntsville Alabama, in the US, suffered a blood clot and died in the early morning of April 22, aged 40 years old.
Her 38-year-old husband Toby’s grief was so much that relatives suspect it caused his own death when he suffered a heart attack 24 hours later, the Huntsville, Alabama, Times reported.
It was reported the same doctor and nurse worked to try and save the lives of both Mrs and Mr Norsworthy in hospital.
Ricky Self a pastor at Pineview Baptist Church, where the couple were active members, told local news station WHNT Mr Norsworthy adored his wife.
"She was his world and so he was of course heartbroken when she passed away."
Childhood friend Leslie Plunkett told the paper Mr Norsworthy “adored his wife and absolutely loved each and every one of the children.”
"He always put community, friends, family and church first."
The Norsworthys leave behind their children, aged six to 20 - Quinten, 20; Riley, 17; and Bradley, 13 from Mrs Norsworthy’s previous marriage, and Mickey, 11; Aurora, 9 and Lainie, 6.
Mr Norsworthy's aunt Jeanne said the extended family members were coming together to care for the children.
"I knew Jennifer Norsworthy was his soul mate and his heart broke when she passed. They are together again. One of a kind and a sweetheart of a nephew," she wrote on her Facebook page.
Ms Plunkett set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral costs and towards the children’s future.
"They both had strong faiths in God, were vital members in their communities, and were such kind and gentle parents," she wrote on the page.
"They will both be greatly missed by these communities, friends and family."
The page surpassed its US$5000 goal in six days, reaching more than US$36,000 and climbing.
Ms Plunkett also encouraged the community to leave a personal note to the family, which many have shared heartfelt messages.
“So Very sorry. God hold these young children in your loving arms, and Bless them. Mom & dad are in Heaven watching over you,” Susan Emma posted to the page.
Misti M Cooper wrote: "I worked with Toby. Couldn't have asked for a better coworker. He was a good friend and was the first in line to help others."
Mr Norsworthy's sister Tabitha Washburn told the Times the pair met in Alaska 13 years ago and married three years later, before the family settled in Huntsville.
Mr Norsworthy worked as a computer programmer, while his wife raised their family.
Both Mr and Mrs Norsworthy's Facebook pages were filled with messages of love for one another and their children.
Last October, Mrs Norsworthy posted a photo of herself and her husband together, with the caption: "A wonderful evening out with my hubby after a great day. ... could not love this man more!!! - feeling blessed."
News Wrap – May 2
