Influencer Melissa Mae Carlton Seeks Answers After Losing Both Young Daughters

Melissa Mae Carlton is grieving an unimaginable loss after both of her young daughters died just over a year apart — and she is now searching for medical answers.

In April 2024, Melissa and her husband, Tom Carlton, shared that their 9-year-old daughter, Abigail, had died unexpectedly after battling sepsis. At the time, Melissa posted an emotional message on Instagram describing the family’s heartbreak, while also expressing peace in her faith. She did not publicly reveal the cause of Abigail’s death.

“Our hearts were shattered,” she wrote then, calling Abigail a loving, generous, and joyful child who left a deep void in their lives.

Tragedy struck the family again on Christmas Day this year when their younger daughter, Molly, died suddenly. Melissa announced the news on Instagram, sharing that Molly passed away on Dec. 25 and that the sisters were now reunited.

“We are devastated. In disbelief. Confused and in shock,” Melissa wrote. “I feel numb. I cannot yet accept that this is real. I am not ready for this pain.”

She shared that Molly had deeply missed her older sister and often asked when they would be together again. That belief has become one of the few sources of comfort for the grieving parents.

Hours later, Melissa addressed growing speculation surrounding Molly’s death and shared an early medical update. While an official diagnosis has not yet been confirmed, doctors believe Molly may have had a genetic heart condition — and they now suspect Abigail may have had the same condition.

According to Melissa, Molly had been monitored in the hospital before her death, which helped doctors identify what may have happened. She explained that even a minor illness can sometimes trigger a sudden and fatal cardiac event in children with certain heart conditions.

“We were told that this type of cardiac event is, in most cases, not survivable,” she wrote.

Melissa said the family will now pursue further genetic testing to better understand the condition and its implications for their other children, Harry and Lily.

She also expressed hope that sharing her daughters’ stories could help raise awareness about sudden unexpected death in children (SUDC) and bring comfort to other families facing similar losses.

“We are grateful for every single one of you,” she wrote, thanking supporters for their messages, prayers, and kindness during the darkest period of her life.