American Visitor’s Tragic Death in Turks and Caicos Due to Natural Causes, Autopsy Reveals

An American visitor, Stefanie Smith, tragically passed away in Providenciales on February 28th after an emergency landing. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force confirmed after a two-week wait for autopsy results that her death was due to natural causes.

Smith, a 41-year-old mother of two, was returning from vacation in the Dominican Republic when she suddenly collapsed mid-air. Despite being described as very active and healthy, an autopsy revealed that she died from a carotid artery dissection, a condition where a blood vessel in the neck separates, potentially causing strokes.

The National Library of Medicine describes this condition as difficult to diagnose due to its wide-ranging symptoms and notes that a family history of the illness increases the risk. Smith’s boyfriend noticed her seizing on the airplane, and despite efforts by EMS on the plane and at the airport, she was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.

Smith, a certified Radiologist, was remembered for her intelligence and athleticism, with her greatest love being her children. She was laid to rest on Friday, March 22nd, leaving behind a grieving family and friends.