Kali was five months into maternity leave after giving birth to her first child when a freak medical episode tragically claimed her life

By ASHLEY NICKEL, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 13:54, 5 May 2026 | Updated: 13:54, 5 May 2026 A seemingly fit and healthy new mother has died of a brain aneurysm just five months after giving birth. Kali Blundell, 32, was on maternity leave with daughter, Ruby, and husband, Brandon, when tragedy struck last month. She was working out at a gym in North Sydney when she suffered the unexpected medical episode in mid-April. Ms Blundell spent a week in hospital before tragically passing away. In one last heroic act, she donated her organs to assist five other patients.  Ms Blundell's friend, Sarah Porter, started a GoFundMe to help cover some of her medical and funeral costs. The new mother and father had been together since they were 15 years old, having met in their hometown of Canberra. Ms Porter said Ms Blundell's death had left a hole 'in the hearts of all who loved her'. 'Brandon and Ruby should have so many more years with Kali, and now face an incredibly heart breaking new reality without her here.' Kali Blundell (pictured with her husband and baby) suffered a fatal brain aneurysm in mid-April Ms Blundell (above) was remembered by her loved ones as 'ambitious and full of life' Ms Blundell's close friend described her as 'ambitious and full of life'. 'Kali was incredibly smart, and someone you could turn to for advice. She worked incredibly hard and never shied away from a challenge,' Ms Porter wrote. 'Though she worked hard, she also played hard and brought so much joy in the world with her dance moves, love for music and her cheeky personality.' Ms Porter said the world was 'a little less bright' without her friend.   'We are raising funds to help ease some of the financial burden during this time - to cover funeral and medical costs, and to support Brandon so he can take the time he needs to grieve and care for Ruby, and begin to navigate this world without his soulmate,' she wrote. 'Any donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference and give this family one less thing to worry about as they face the days ahead. 'Thank you for wrapping this family in love, kindness, and support when they need it most.' A brain aneurysm is a weakened spot in an artery in the brain where blood pools causing it to balloon out, which can put pressure on tissues and nerves. If it ruptures it is life-threatening.  Pregnancy - especially the third trimester and postpartum period, does increase the risk due to hormonal changes, blood pressure, and water retention but they are still incredibly rare, according to Healthline. About 3 to 11 cases occur in each 100,000 pregnancies.  Early detection is key, with symptoms including sudden intense headaches, seizures, vision changes, pain or numbness in the face or eye area, and light sensitivity. If caught early, treatment is usually favourable. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.