In a tragic incident that sent shockwaves across the world, Australian influencer Stacey Hatfield, 30, died from a rare complication after a home birth. Her husband, Nathan Warnecke, announced the sad tidings and praised hospital staff who “did the utmost” but could not save her.
For context, the cornerers are investigating the case, and in comments after the death, Warnecke called Stacey his “soul mate,” saying motherhood was her “biggest dream” achieved “on her terms.” Additionally, he described her final moments as her happiest, holding newborn son Axel.
In his initial post, Nathan Warnecke revealed that “an unforeseen and extremely rare complication arose and she passed after being transferred to the hospital.” Additionally, he confirmed, “Stace passed on the 29th September 2025 after successfully giving birth to our firstborn son, Axel, at home.”
Speaking about the medical team, he said, “They did the utmost to help, but ultimately nothing could be done despite their best efforts.” However, he described “her last moments on earth were the happiest I’ve ever seen her.”
The grieving husband noted that “I knew Stace for 9 amazing years… She was my lighthouse in the storm and the world is less bright without her in it. her biggest dream [was] to be a mum… she did it. On her terms, exactly the way she always dreamed of doing it. She held Axel when he was born, nursed him, saw that he was a boy and loved him… She loved him so much and still, continues to love him.”
However, local authorities have announced an investigation into the death. “The death of Stacey Warnecke [née Hatfield] was reported to the Court and is currently being investigated by the coroner… This is an active coronial investigation,” an official document read.
Deavastated by the death, the grieving family has appealed to the community for help. “Axel is surrounded by love… Nathan is stepping into fatherhood with unimaginable strength and grace,” a GoFundMe noted, “Nathan is not one to ask for help; however, we know he will need assistance. With love and support we know he will succeed and be an amazing father to Axel… There is no doubt the financial prospects from here for Nathan are significant. Nathan will be unable to return to work as planned for the near future.”
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Unfortunately, this is the second case of an influencer passing away during childbirth. As we reported at the American Tribune, Hailey Okula, 33, died March 29 from amniotic fluid embolism hours after delivering son Crew via C-section post-IVF.
Reacting to the horrific situation at the time, Matthew Okula, her husband, asked, “How is this even possible?” At the time, he remembered thinking, “It was a pretty special moment… we did it. We’re finally going to be able to start the family we’ve always been talking about.”
Speaking several months later, He recounted, “It’s my way of making sure I remember the little details of things she used to say to me. If I don’t say them to Crew, then maybe I’ll forget them… I don’t want to forget them.”
Featured image credit: Stacey Hatfield Instagram