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A 32-year-old influencer from Southern California who went viral in 2022 for her budget wedding has died during childbirth.
Kiara Brokenbrough, the Los Angeles bride who bought her dress for just $47 and spent only $500 on the whole ceremony, passed away due to complications having her son, her family said.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in West Virginia has yet to release the official cause of death. The Brokenbroughs were in the process of moving back to the Golden State.
Kiara’s mother-in-law has started a GoFundMe to raise money to help her Jonah, newborn son and her husband Joel.
They said: “This tragedy has taken a devastating toll on Joel. He will need support (physically, mentally, spiritually, and financially) from his family and friends and the kindness of strangers.” It has raised $120,000 of its $150,000 goal.
They added: “As Joel begins this unimaginable next chapter as a single parent to a preemie in the NICU, and having to deal with the heartache of losing his beloved wife (whom he loves so much), he needs all the support he can get as he tries to navigate life without her.”
The baby was due in June, and it is unclear if Brokenbrough’s death triggered an early delivery or if early birth complications contributed to the mother’s death.
The premature newborn is making “remarkable progress” in the NICU. Joel also confirmed his wife’s death in an April 13 Instagram Story post.
He said: “My beautiful, God-fearing, worshipping wife has gone home to be in the presence of the Lord.”
The couple garnered a lot of attention for their $500 wedding four years ago. Kiara chose the Angeles Crest Highway area for its scenic setting and kept the guest list small — around 30 to 40 people.
They relied on support from friends and family, with their biggest expense being a $200 arch, while guests covered their own food and drinks at a casual lounge reception. Joel’s suit cost about $100.
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