'Healthy' girl, 4, 'who touched lives' dies suddenly and doctors don't know why

05 July 2023 , 21:32

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Millicent Edwards tragically died aged four (Image: GoFundMe)

A “healthy and happy” four-year-old girl has died suddenly with her parents still trying to find out the cause of death.

Millicent Edwards collapsed in front of her dad Cody at the family home in Northern Territory, Australia, and was rushed to hospital but despite the best efforts of medics she later died on June 16.

She was put in an induced coma at the Alice Springs Hospital before then being transferred to the Womens and Childrens Hospital in Adelaide where she died surrounded by family and friends.

“Millicent fought hard to stay in this world but danced her way to heaven on Friday the 16th of June where she was surrounded by family and friends,” said Emma Bell, a friend of the family.

“An entire community, 20 to 30 people, flew to Adelaide to be there for Milli as she fought to stay with them.”

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Millicent's family pictured (Amanda Watt/Facebook)

Millicent was "bubbly and kind" (Amanda Watt/Facebook)

Millicent’s funeral was held last Monday with doctors still not able to answer what was the cause of death.

Ms Bell told how it has been especially difficult for parents Cody Edwards and Amanda Watt who are still waiting to hear what their daughter died from.

“She was a healthy, happy little girl with no prior conditions,” Ms Bell told 7News, adding that not having answers makes it “feel like it’s not real”.

Emma told of the funeral that it was a “very hard day” but they celebrated Millicent’s short life.

“She left her mark on this world,” Ms Bell said. “She was so bright and clever. She was just wonderful.”

Ms Bell has set up a gofundme page to help raise money for the family to cover the funeral expenses and give the family “the much needed time they need to grieve and not have to worry about going back to work”.

In a tribute to Millicent she wrote how the four-year-old had many friends including from where she went dancing.

“Millicent was a bubbly, kind and special little girl that touched the lives of so many. Millicent attended the local dance studio, childcare and preschool where she had made many friends that adored her," she said.

"Millicent was loved by all that met her and will be forever missed.”

Tim Hanlon