Heartbroken family pay tribute to mum who collapsed in Turkey after tragic death

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A heartbroken family have paid tribute to a mum-of-three who died after collapsing on holiday in Turkey.

Melissa Kinsella collapsed after suffering a seizure in Antalya Airport, while with her partner, Jay Smith, his family and their three children. She was due to fly home on May 15 with Jay and Chloe, nine, Beau, four, and Romi, two.

However, she was instead rushed to hospital, where it was found she had a swelling on her brain and to her heart. Melissa was unable to breathe without a ventilator and was rushed to intensive care in a coma.

A fundraising campaign was launched as Melissa, from Moreton in Merseyside, wasn't insured. The cash raised allowed her to be flown home via air ambulance from Turkey on Wednesday, May 24.

Her devastated mum, Michelle Heathcote, posted an update on Friday to say the 30-year-old had been declared clinically dead, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Melissa Kinsella with her partner Jay Smith and two children (Image: supplied)

She said: "Our hearts are broken forever after 12 days of fighting for our beautiful daughter's life test proves she is clinically dead. We have no words to express how we feel but thank everyone who helped us in any way to bring her home."

A close family friend confirmed she had tragically died. Her partner, Jay Smith, posted a heartbreaking tribute on Facebook on Friday evening. It included a video full of images of Melissa, Jay and her children along with the caption "no words" with a broken heart emoji.

Melissa's cousin, Shelley Grattan, wrote on Facebook: "Gonna miss u cuz, shine bright tonight and always. Till we meet in heaven princess Missy. Xxx"

Rebecca Dath, Melissa's best friend who set up a GoFundMe to fly her back from Turkey, said: "I can't believe I'm never going to hear your voice again (other than voice notes that I'll cherish forever). I'm never going to get one of those phone calls that I've prayed for the past 12 days.

"I am absolutely heartbroken, for your family, your girls, your friends. I'm going to miss that dirty laugh, the disgusting stories with too much information.

"The absolute anger at any small inconvenience and the best friend that would always encourage me to fly off the handle and you'd be there to back me up. I'll never have a best friend like you again because you were one in a million."

Jourden Hankin said: "Rip beautiful lady absolutely devastated for all your family an your three beautiful girls an your partner, fly high an be the brightest star in the sky."

Michelle in hospital in Turkey. She initially thought she had sunstroke, before collapsing.

Catherine Titherington Bragg added: "Makes my stupid problems just vanish into thin air. When you wake up and think the world's on your shoulders and read something like this?

"I'm so sorry... Sorry for her partner, her babies, her Mum and Dad and family. This is just heartbreaking, something you just can't fix.

"I know it really doesn't mean anything but truly, I'm sending love and strength xx."

Jenny Bridge said: "God this is so incredibly sad. Why is life so bloody cruel. Her poor babies, family and friends. Just heartbreaking.

"Life is so limited we honestly have no idea what is around the corner. We literally have to treasure every min.

"May she rest in peace sending love an prays to all her family xx"

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Heartbroken family pay tribute to mum who collapsed in Turkey after tragic death

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