A heartbreaking story unraveled as a family mourns the loss of their beloved daughter, Isabelle Cooper, less than three years after the tragic death of her older brother, Alexander. The Cooper family was struck by immense grief when Alexander passed away suddenly at the tender age of three on Boxing Day in 2021 after showing minor signs of illness. Fast forward to Thursday, and Isabelle, who had recently discovered she shared the same rare genetic disorder as her late brother, also succumbed to the illness.
In a poignant tribute to her daughter, Dr. Emily Cooper, a lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, expressed her devastation on social media, urging others to remember Isabelle for her fearless, joyful, and spontaneous approach to life. Alexander’s unexpected death had initially left the family puzzled, with minimal indications of any underlying health issues. The young boy had been in high spirits, opening Christmas presents and dancing with his siblings just the day before his passing.
Following Alexander’s tragic demise, the Cooper family embarked on a journey to raise awareness about sudden deaths in children, supporting the charity Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood UK. Despite grappling with the mystery surrounding Alexander’s death for almost two years, medical investigations eventually uncovered a rare genetic mutation, PPA2, that both parents, Emily and Darren, carried. This diagnosis meant that their other children were also at risk of inheriting the disorder.
While Isabelle, who was symptom-free at the time, was closely monitored and equipped with a defibrillator for any potential cardiac emergencies, the family embraced each day with gratitude and hope for a normal life for their daughter. Emily emphasised the importance of staying vigilant and learning life-saving techniques like CPR and defibrillator use.
Even amidst her own anxieties, Emily highlighted Isabelle’s resilience and cheerful disposition, striving to maintain a sense of normalcy and calm for her daughter. Recently, Isabelle had been unwell and sought medical attention for vomiting but had returned home. Tragically, she passed away in the early hours of Thursday, marking another devastating loss for the Cooper family.
The story of the Cooper family serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of life and the strength found in cherishing each moment with loved ones. As they navigate through this period of profound grief and loss, their unwavering love and memories of Alexander and Isabelle will undoubtedly continue to inspire those around them.