Elkhart, Indiana – The community of Elkhart is mourning the loss of Kelsey Bourdon, a 31-year-old nurse at Elkhart General Hospital, who passed away due to complications following the birth of her third child.
Bourdon delivered her daughter on January 20th, but her condition rapidly deteriorated due to brain swelling and a subsequent seizure, leading to her death on January 24th around 2 p.m., according to her husband, Tyler Bourdon.
“Kelsey had elected to be a donor every year since she got her license,” Tyler Bourdon shared with CNN. “They will be holding a donor hero walk sometime tomorrow at EGH, starting from the ICU waiting room (elevator G) and ending at the ER entrance.”
The donor hero walk, a tribute to organ donors, took place on Saturday at Elkhart General Hospital. Hospital staff and colleagues honored Bourdon, celebrating her life and her generous spirit even in death.
Kelsey and Tyler Bourdon were already parents to two boys before the birth of their daughter. The family is currently in the process of arranging funeral and memorial services, with details to be announced later.
Bourdon’s death highlights the rare but severe risks associated with childbirth, even among medical professionals. It also brings attention to the importance of organ donation, as Kelsey’s choice to be a donor will likely save lives.