Mother Dies at Daughter’s ‍Graduation After Heart⁣ Issues

‍ ⁤ ‍ Updated June⁤ 01, 2025
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Jean Renee Byrd,‌ while ⁤en ⁢route to her daughter’s high school ‌graduation on May 23, collapsed just‍ 200 feet from the entrance. Her family ‍had celebrated her youngest son’s middle school graduation only⁢ three ⁢days prior. The sudden death has prompted a GoFundMe campaign to ​cover ⁢funeral expenses.

Marquan​ Matthews,Byrd’s son,rushed from the graduation ceremony to administer ‍CPR⁣ until paramedics arrived,according to WXII. His sister,Meilean Byrd,was walking across⁣ the ⁣stage as he fought⁤ to save their ⁢mother’s life.

Byrd had a history of heart ​problems, ​including two previous‍ heart attacks,⁣ according to Matthews. Meilean Byrd, ‌initially unaware of the severity, thought the commotion was ‌due to a car accident, PEOPLE reported.

The family is now focused on honoring Jean Byrd’s wish to be⁤ buried in Philadelphia, near her family. The GoFundMe campaign has raised 73% of its $35,000 goal.

Matthews described his mother as a resilient and loving figure who positively impacted ⁣many lives. He expressed‍ his grief and hope⁢ for guidance from her in the future.

“We never thought that on this ‍day,a day filled ⁢of joy,would be the worst day of our ⁣lives. As my sister was⁢ graduating⁣ high school,our mother is lying on the ⁢ground fighting ‌for her life,” Matthews wrote‌ in the GoFundMe campaign description.

What’s next

The⁤ family continues ⁣to seek donations to fulfill Jean Byrd’s burial wishes and honor her memory. They aim to‌ provide her ⁤with‌ a ‌final resting place in Philadelphia, surrounded by⁢ loved ones.