At 36, Emily Mitchell seemed healthy and full of life. A mother of four and expecting her fifth child, she spent her days homeschooling her kids and sharing nature-based learning resources online through her project, The Hidden Way Learning.

On December 22, 2020, Emily was enjoying a quiet breakfast when tragedy struck. Without warning, she became unresponsive. Despite her family’s quick action and emergency responders’ efforts, she and her unborn baby could not be saved.

Days later, the cause was revealed: a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot that blocks blood flow in the lungs. This condition often strikes suddenly and can be fatal, especially during pregnancy when the risk of clotting is higher.

Emily’s husband, Joseph, was left to care for their four children — Finn, Isla, Edie, and Lulu — while grieving both his wife and their unborn baby. The homeschooling community Emily built rallied around the family, raising funds and offering support.

Though heartbroken, Joseph and the children continue Emily’s legacy, keeping her passion for education and family alive. Her story serves as a reminder of the silent dangers of pulmonary embolism and the importance of awareness and early detection.