A heartbreaking tragedy has struck a young family in Akwa Ibom State as a 23-year-old woman identified as Mary reportedly d!ed during childbirth, just days before her one-year wedding anniversary.

According to reports, Mary passed away while delivering her first child. Sadly, the newborn also did not survive.

Her grieving husband, Udeme Etuk Emmanuel, took to Facebook to express his devastation over the untimely loss.

“Our one-year anniversary wasn’t supposed to be like this. But there you are, laying still not responding to all your sweet names,” he wrote.

“Afia Mma, this pain is enormous and it’s difficult to be sane… But a small cry here and there will ease the hurting. I lack words, it’s empty, it’s blurry and it’s tiring. Please take care of our beautiful daughter — she slept on with you. On this day and always, I celebrate the love that d3ath could never take away.”

Mary and her baby were laid to rest on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Okoyo Community, Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Friends and relatives have flooded social media with tributes, describing the late Mary as “gentle, cheerful, and full of life” before her sudden passing.