A young Utah family is grappling with heartbreak after the unexpected loss of Morgan Aubrey Hughes, a vibrant 23-year-old mother who died just days after welcoming her precious twins into the world.

Morgan passed away on December 28 at Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, only nine days after the birth of her son, Hudson Samuel Hughes, and daughter, Georgia Elise Hughes, who arrived prematurely on December 19. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Samuel Craig Hughes, also 23, with whom she recently celebrated their first year of marriage in 2023.

From her hometown of Benjamin, Utah, Morgan had long dreamed of motherhood. Her family recalls her radiant joy at the arrival of her twins—an overwhelming blessing she had awaited with open arms.

Though born about six weeks early and initially requiring care in the neonatal intensive care unit, the twins were growing stronger by the day. Morgan herself initially appeared to be recovering well, returning home from the hospital with hope and gratitude, her father, Brian Hodson, told NBC News.

But just days later, Morgan’s health took a sudden and frightening turn. She began experiencing severe symptoms—including vomiting, fainting, and what her family feared might have been a seizure. Concerned for her wellbeing, Morgan was rushed back to the hospital, where doctors uncovered fluid building around her heart.

She was diagnosed with postpartum cardiomyopathy, a rare but serious condition known as peripartum cardiomyopathy. This form of heart failure can strike during or shortly after pregnancy when the heart muscle weakens, often mimicking typical pregnancy symptoms such as swelling or shortness of breath—making early detection challenging.

Despite intensive medical efforts, Morgan’s condition rapidly worsened. On December 28, she suffered a fatal cardiac arrest, leaving her family shattered by the sudden loss of a beloved mother, wife, and daughter.

Experts say the causes of peripartum cardiomyopathy remain not fully understood, though certain factors can increase risk, including carrying twins, maternal age over 35, and pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia. Morgan had been diagnosed with preeclampsia late in her pregnancy, a condition her father believes may have contributed to her heart failure.

Brian Hodson shared the profound love Morgan held for motherhood. “She’s always wanted to be a mom and had a special gift with babies—she was known as the baby whisperer even as a child,” he said. “All she ever wanted was to be a mom. She would have loved those twins more than anything.”

The Hughes family now faces the unimaginable task of healing while caring for their newborns—cherishing Morgan’s memory as a guiding light in their lives.

The twins, born prematurely, remain in the neonatal intensive care unit at Utah Valley Hospital but are showing steady progress. According to PEOPLE, Hudson and Georgia are expected to be strong enough to go home by the end of the month, bringing a glimmer of hope amid the family’s sorrow.

In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, the Lone Peak Fire Department—where Morgan’s father serves as a Captain—has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the Hughes family during this difficult time. The community’s generosity has been overwhelming, with more than $55,000 raised so far to help cover medical expenses and provide for the twins’ future.