A close-knit community is reeling after a beloved Queensland tattoo artist and young mum tragically died shortly after giving birth to her third child.
Stacey Nightingale from Montville on the Sunshine Coast died on Wednesday with her family taking to Instagram to share the sad news to her 13,200 followers.
‘Stacey was a unique and beautiful beacon of light in this world who left such an impact on everyone she met,’ the post said.
‘She passed shortly after birthing her third child. She fought hard to stay with us but eventually transitioned to death.
‘Words cannot describe this loss for anyone that knew her, especially her family, fiancé and three children. We will honour Stacey in every way we can and always keep her spirit close.’
Her devastated fiancé and partner of 13 years Chris Yantra said he fell in love with Ms Nightingale when she showed her paintings to him shortly before she began her career as a tattoo artist.
‘I knew you would be known for your art… You saw the world in her own way and I adored you for that. You truly radiated beauty,’ he said.
Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health sent its ‘sincerest condolences’ to Ms Nightingale’s grieving family.
Stacey Nightingale an artist from the Sunshine Coast died on Wednesday after giving birth to her third child
Ms Nightingale ran a popular tattoo studio and has been remembered as a ‘beacon of light’
‘Sunshine Coast Health protects the privacy and confidentiality of patients and won’t provide further information on individual circumstances of care,’ a spokesperson said.
Friend Kellee Hollywood has started a GoFundMe for the young mum’s family.
‘Stacey brought light wherever she went,’ she wrote.
‘Her laughter, strength, and deep wisdom touched the lives of many. She walked this earth with purpose and grace, and her love continues to echo through her beautiful children and all those she held close.
‘This GoFundMe is dedicated to supporting Chris and her beautiful children in the wake of this profound loss.
‘Funds will go toward support for this family, costs associated with her memory and will help carry forward the legacy of love and light that Stacey so deeply believed in.
‘We thank you for your support, your prayers, and your willingness to stand with us during this time. Every contribution – no matter the size – is a gesture of love that helps hold this family through the unimaginable.’
Ms Hollywood later shared an update in which she thanked Sunshine Coast locals for its ‘generous outpouring of support for Chris and the children’.
