Grandson's Heartbreak: "Will I Die Like Mummy?"

A young mother's preventable death has left her family devastated and prompted a heartbreaking question from her three-year-old son. Tanya McCartney, 25, died from pneumonia in May 2023, merely 24 hours after being sent home from A&E with antibiotics. Her mother, Natasha Johnson, is now raising her grandson, Marcus, who has tragically asked if he will die like his mother.

The decision by hospital medics not to admit Tanya for further observation and treatment was found to have contributed to her death at an inquest held in September 2026. The Trust involved has since issued an apology. Natasha Johnson shared the family's grief, emphasizing the preventable nature of Tanya's demise. Tanya, a devoted mother, had been accepted into a mental health nursing program before her unexpected pregnancy.

Following Marcus falling unwell, his question, "Will I die like Mummy?", underscored the family's enduring pain. Tanya's father had also died suddenly at home 11 years prior. The inquest heard Tanya had symptoms suggestive of sepsis, including a high heart rate and fever, yet was given the option to return home. The coroner stated that had Tanya received intravenous antibiotics on May 18, 2023, she would likely have survived.

Natasha is now raising Marcus, who shows traits reminiscent of his mother, such as a love for cars and a distinctive foot stamp when displeased. The Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has acknowledged the failings and implemented procedural changes, including enhanced oversight and improved referral systems, to prevent future tragedies.