Double loss as 23-year-old woman and her baby dies during delivery just days to her one-year wedding anniversary

Friday, November 7, 2025 - A Nigerian man, Udeme Etuk Emmanuel, has been thrown into mourning following the d3ath of  his 23-year-old wife, Mary, barely a year after their wedding. 

The couple got married on November 2, 2024.  

It was gathered that Mary died a few days ago after giving birth to their first child. Tragically, the newborn baby also died. 

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

The grieving widow, family members and friends took to Facebook to pay touching tributes to the young woman. 

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

A cousin, Ini Ekong, wrote: “We will all d!e someday if Christ tarries, yes! But not like this. Not in our prime...not when we are very close to fulfilling destiny...and definitely not when we are trying to bring a life into this world. No, not like this. I lack words, my God!!!!. I'm overwhelmed. Dear Mrs. Mary Udeme Emmanuel Etuk , as you are laid to rest today, I pray that you rest in perfect peace. Dear Cousin Udeme, accept my heartfelt condolences. This one pain me Sha. I'm weak chaii.”

Fon Felix wrote: "BEAUTY FOR ASHES. Got married at age 22. Would have begun motherhood at age 23. Unfortunately, fate says no. Just a few days to celebrate their One year Marriage Anniversary, the cold hands of death snatched her with the new born baby. Late Mary Udeme Emmanuel was a beauty to behold. So sad it happened this way. Today the remains of Late Mary and the baby were committed to mother Earth at Okoyo Community, Ukanafun LGA Akwa Ibom. We've registered our heartfelt condolences to the husband, Mr Udeme Emmanuel Etuk the immediate and Extended Etuk's family. It's surely a trying and difficult time to imagine. May God Forbid! Life is indeed a glaring stage: for no one knows when, where and how to bow out."