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Joanna Taylor
Jan 10, 2021
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A popular parenting influencer has died unexpectedly while pregnant with her fifth child.
Emily Mitchell frequently posted photos of her family and pets to her Instagram account @the.hidden.way, where she amassed thousands of followers.
According to The Westerly Sun, a newspaper published in Mitchell’s home state of Rhode Island, she passed away on 22 December, aged 36.
Her obituary reads:
“Emily was a symbol of strength during the most challenging of times for so many. She shared her light and creative, artistic genius through her work as a highly successful, self-employed Instagram Influencer.”
She was “having her morning coffee and toast when she suddenly became unresponsive” according to an update posted to a GoFundMe page which has raised more than $167,000 on her family’s behalf. The update continues:
“Despite the prompt attention of her children, husband, father and other medical personnel, all valiant efforts to resuscitate were unsuccessful. She went home to be with the Lord.
The doctors are still working on answers for her family. We will update everyone with answers when we get them.”
Mitchell was particularly popular among Christian families and the homeschooling community. She frequently posted about her experiences teaching her children and living in a farmhouse.
She gained thousands more followers after her death: her obituary records her follower count at 88,000 – that figure now surpasses 160,000.
In her final post, Mitchell sought to reassure parents who opt for C-section deliveries over “natural” births. She wrote:
“This will be my fifth C-Section. However your baby gets here, you know your experience is valid and worthy.
You are no less a mother if you needed emergency medical intervention, had a planned C-section, or an epidural.”
According to her obituary, Mitchell had named her unborn child Joey.
She is survived by her husband Joseph, a public school teacher, and their four children.
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