Tragedy as mother, 33, dies in front of partner and young children after choking on food while cooking dinner

14 March 2024, 11:20

A mother tragically died after chocking on food while cooking dinner in front of her family.

Support worker Siobhan Rose Simmonds, 33, was discovered on the kitchen floor after she collapsed while preparing a meal for her partner and two young children at their family home in Dover, Kent, on February 24.

Ms Simmonds, known to loved ones as 'Bon' and 'Bonnie', was rushed to William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, but passed away on March 1 after spending a week in a coma.

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Paying tribute, her father John Simmonds said: "She was so lovely, she was so bubbly, would help anybody. Everybody tried to help her survive but she just choked. It could happen to anybody.

"Ms Simmonds' partner, his son and her two-year-old daughter witnessed the tragic incident and said their 'whole world has come crashing down."

Her family said they were "so proud" of their "blue-eyed girl" after they discovered that she was registered as an organ donor when she died.

Relatives and friends have launched a crowdfunder to help Ms Simmonds' family.

It has already smashed the £3,000 target and relatives said they were "proud" of her decision to donate seven of her organs to help other people.

Ms Simmonds, also a mother to a 14-year-old boy, had expressed her wish to donate her organs on at least four occasions. 

After being made aware at the hospital, the family agreed to the decision, with Ms Simmonds entering theatre for organ removal surgery on March 2.

Her sister, Julie Barrett, said she was "devastated" by the tragedy. She added: "We're so proud of her. It's the one thing that's made us happy from all this.

"Her heart, two kidneys, liver, pancreas and both corneas were transported to various recipients across the country". Her father added that because she had donated so many organs, it was as if "out there somewhere, she's still walking".

The crowdfunder said: "We are utterly devastated to share our heartache at losing our blue-eyed girl, Siobhan Rose Simmonds.

"On the evening of the 24th February, our beautiful Siobhan (Bon, Bonnie) died after tragically choking on food during a family meal.

"On the evening of the 24th February, our beautiful Siobhan (Bon, Bonnie) died after tragically choking on food during a family meal.

"Paramedics attended quickly but her heart had stopped. They worked hard to restart her young heart and were successful, but for Siobhan it was too late: she did not wake from her coma and was declared dead a week later on the 1st March 2024 at 1447hrs.

"The critical care staff at William Harvey Hospital kept her heart beating as she was an organ donor. She was taken for surgery in the early hours of Saturday morning and donated her pancreas, liver, both kidneys and lastly her heart.

"Those of you lucky enough to have met Siobhan will remember the loving nature she inherited from her parents, Bernadett and John. The hospital told us that Siobhan elected to donate her organs at least four times during her short life.

"Less than 1,400 people per year donate their organs in the UK. We take solace in the amazing gift you gave Bonnie! We can't wait to hear the success stories of people and families whose lives will be transformed from your generosity.

"Siobhan was a mother to two children, a 14 year old son whom she adored and a two year old daughter who, like her mum, is also a fighter, having been born at only 29 weeks. We hope that this fund will contribute to both of their futures and a charity close to our hearts, Mind.

"Siobhan was a naturally caring and special person who with her quirky sense of style loved life and life loved her. Her love of music and her wicked sense of humour made her a loveable person. Her courage and thoughtfulness made her deeply cared for by all that knew her.

"Siobhan would probably hate this post asking for any help with funeral costs but we could really do with anything to help give our Bon the send off she deserves."

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