An inquest examining the death of influencer Stacey Hatfield has been adjourned after new material recovered from her phone prompted further investigation.
The 30-year-old Australian, also known as Stacey Warnecke, died on September 29, 2025, after suffering a postpartum haemorrhage and cardiac arrest following the birth of her son, Axel, during a freebirth at her home in Seaford, Victoria.
Freebirths are births that take place without a medical professional present, unlike a home birth attended by a midwife or doctor.
Evidence presented to the court indicated that Hatfield had chosen not to undergo standard pregnancy checks, including ultrasounds, and did not want a midwife present during the birth because of concerns about healthcare rules, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Instead, she was supported by doula Emily Lal, a non-medical birth companion who provides practical, emotional and informational assistance.
The inquest opened on June 15 at the Coroners Court of Victoria and heard testimony from Lal on June 16, along with a 12-minute emergency call made on the day Hatfield died.
The court later heard that a forensic review of Hatfield’s phone uncovered material requiring further investigation, leading Coroner Therese McCarthy to adjourn the proceedings so additional evidence could be gathered.
Coroner Rachel Ellyard said the phone had been examined in detail.
“Some of the fruits of that analysis became available to the court for the first time yesterday, and it seems to me that the contents that have been made available raise issues that are going to require some further investigation and perhaps the gathering of further evidence.”
No details about the phone’s contents were disclosed in court. The inquest is expected to resume after those inquiries are completed.
Earlier evidence heard during the proceedings alleged that Hatfield resisted suggestions from Lal to call an ambulance, before agreeing when it was raised for a third time.
Lal told the inquest that Hatfield’s condition deteriorated quickly after she passed her placenta, and that the mother appeared to be gasping and having difficulty breathing before emergency services were eventually called.
By the time paramedics arrived, the court heard Hatfield was reportedly drifting in and out of consciousness and was next to a large blood clot.
Her son survived and remains in the care of his father, Nathan Warnecke.
Following Hatfield’s death, Warnecke shared a tribute on Instagram.
“Its with heavy heart that i share with you the unexpected passing of my beautiful wife, soul mate and best friend, Stacey Warnecke (Hatfield).
“Stace passed on the 29th September 2025 after successfully giving birth to our firstborn son, Axel, at home. Tragically, shortly after, an unforeseen and extremely rare complication arose and she passed after being transferred to hospital. Hospital staff were amazing and did the utmost to help, but ultimately nothing could be done despite their best efforts.”
In the post, he also reflected on the ‘9 amazing years’ they had together.
“Thankyou for wonderful life together my love. I know this isn’t the end, i look forwards to seeing you again someday.”