During Her 5th Pregnancy, Emily Mitchell Was Having Her Morning Coffee When She Suddenly Became Unresponsive — She & Her Unborn Child Died

At 36, Emily Mitchell, a healthy, active mother of four and pregnant with her fifth child, died suddenly during breakfast on December 22, 2020, from a pulmonary embolism—a blood clot blocking lung blood flow. The tragedy left her family and online community in shock. Emily, a digital content creator, shared her Rhode Island family’s homeschooling journey through “The Hidden Way Learning,” offering nature-based educational resources. She and her husband, Joseph, had recently announced their fifth child with excitement. That morning, Emily became unresponsive while eating toast and drinking coffee. Despite efforts from family and emergency

responders, she and her unborn child could not be saved. A pulmonary embolism, often symptomless, is a medical emergency, particularly risky during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and slowed blood flow. Symptoms, if present, include shortness of breath, chest pain, or rapid heartbeat, but Emily’s condition struck too quickly. Joseph, now raising Finn, Isla, Edie, and Lulu alone, continues Emily’s homeschooling legacy with community support. A fundraiser helped cover expenses, and the family aims to preserve Emily’s joyful, nature-connected spirit. (Word