Utah Mother Tragically Succumbs to Rare Heart Condition Days After Delivering Twins: 'Always Wanted to Be a Mom'

Morgan Hughes

The Hughes family of Utah faces an incomprehensible loss as Morgan Aubrey Hughes, a radiant young mother, passed away just nine days after bringing her twin infants into the world. This heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded shortly after Christmas, leaving her loved ones grappling with grief while caring for her newborns.

Morgan, 23, gave birth to son Hudson Samuel Hughes and daughter Georgia Elise Hughes on December 19. Her husband, Samuel Craig Hughes, also 23, described the couple's shared excitement at welcoming their children. Their journey as a family, which began with their marriage earlier in 2023, was tragically cut short when Morgan passed away on December 28 at Utah Valley Hospital in Provo.

“It just doesn’t feel real,” Samuel expressed during an interview with KSL-TV. “Morgan was extraordinary—an unparalleled wife, daughter, and human being. Her capacity to love was boundless, and her faith in Jesus Christ defined her life. Now, our hope rests in the promise of an afterlife.”

What began as a smooth delivery spiraled into unforeseen complications. Days after giving birth, Morgan experienced severe nausea and fainting spells, prompting an emergency return to the hospital. There, she was diagnosed with postpartum cardiomyopathy, a rare and often insidious heart condition that occurs during the final month of pregnancy or up to five months postpartum.

Johns Hopkins Medicine describes this ailment as a deterioration of the heart muscle without any discernible cause, while the American Heart Association notes its symptoms—such as breathlessness and limb swelling—often mimic those of pregnancy, making it notoriously challenging to detect.

Morgan’s father, Brian Hodson, expressed the shock of this unexpected loss.

“It’s been devastating. We never imagined something like this would happen,” he shared, reflecting on the profound void left by his daughter's passing.

From a young age, Morgan’s nurturing spirit earned her the endearing nickname of “baby whisperer.” Becoming a mother was not just a dream for her; it was her calling.

“She always adored babies. That’s all she ever wanted—to be a mom,” Brian recounted. “She would have cherished Hudson and Georgia more than anything in the world.”

In a heartfelt tribute on a GoFundMe page organized by the Lone Peak Fire Association, where Brian serves as a captain, Morgan was remembered as “a kind and loving soul whose greatest joy was becoming a mother.”

Born prematurely, Hudson and Georgia remain under the vigilant care of the NICU at Utah Valley Hospital. Despite the heartbreak, Samuel draws solace from the presence of their children, visiting them twice daily.

“Being with the twins brings me peace. I feel her presence when I’m with them. It’s as though she’s watching over us, helping them thrive,” he shared.

The infants are expected to join their father at home later this month, a bittersweet milestone in a story marked by joy, sorrow, and enduring love.

Morgan’s passing has left an indelible mark on those who knew her. While the twins symbolize a future brimming with hope, her absence casts a long shadow. Her family, anchored by faith and resilience, vows to honor her memory by nurturing the love and life she so cherished.

This poignant tale reminds us of the fragility of life and the profound impact of maternal devotion—a legacy that transcends mortality.