Adriana Smith suffered a medical crisis in February 2025, leaving her in a coma and dependent on life support.
The Atlanta, Georgia nurse was 31. Three months later, she was declared brain dead. Because she was nine weeks pregnant at the time, doctors were required under Georgia’s so-called ‘heartbeat law’ to continue life support in order to sustain the pregnancy.
In June, Adriana’s baby was delivered early via C-section, weighing 1lb 13oz. After the birth, Adriana was removed from life support and later died.
Her relatives have continued to describe her death as a “tragic loss” on a GoFundMe page, sharing that they hope to “change the laws in Georgia” while ensuring Adriana is never “forget”.
The family has also used the fundraiser to post updates about Adriana’s youngest child, Chance.
On February 19, Adriana’s mother, April Newkirk, announced that Chance had finally been able to come “home”.
The full update reads: “First of all I want to tell everyone Thank you for your continued support and prayers. I have an announcement to make look who’s home.
“Chance is home doing will still on oxygen I won’t go into details but keep praying chase was do happy to see chance it made me cry im your big brother. adriana smith two sons.”
Alongside the message, two photos of Chance were shared. A further update posted on February 20 included another image of the baby smiling, with the caption: “He’s a pleasant baby and happy look at that smile.”
February 9 last month marked one year since Adriana’s death.
To mark the anniversary, her family arranged 10 billboards across Atlanta calling for “justice” for Adriana. The billboards also aimed to draw attention to her story and push for legal changes, arguing families should have “a say” rather than being forced to watch a loved one’s “lifeless body”.
It states: “Adriana was only two months when placed on support and were given no choice to wait for months to find out the baby will suffer disease which will lead to major disabilities.”
The GoFundMe has collected more than $600,0000 toward a $660,000 goal, with donations intended to help support Adriana’s eldest son and her wider family, who say they have been left “broken” since her death.
They added that they are “asking for prayers and support during this time,” and stressed that “anything helps”.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].