Husband suddenly dies and leaves wife with 8 kids – his hidden disease was overlooked by everyone
James Green had always dreamed of being a father. For as long as he could remember, he had wanted a big, loving family. So when he and his wife, Cloe, found out they were expecting their first child, James was over the moon. He couldn’t hide his excitement as he prepared for the new chapter in their lives.
Cloe, although young at just 17 years old when she first became pregnant, was equally thrilled. Their first son, Leo, arrived healthy and happy, and James embraced fatherhood with open arms. It wasn’t long before their second child, Levi, joined the family. By this point, the couple felt more confident in their parenting journey and began to talk seriously about building the large family they had always envisioned.
James loved being a dad more than anything. It wasn’t just a role for him—it was his passion. Every time Cloe thought their family was big enough, James would flash her a playful smile and say, “Just one more, Clo.” His joy was infectious, and his dedication to their growing family never wavered.
After the birth of their second son, the Greens welcomed Oliver, their third child, followed closely by their first daughter, Megan. Each new addition brought more love and happiness into their home. James worked from home, allowing him to be there for his children as much as possible. While Cloe was a full-time mom, James took on a hands-on parenting role, ensuring he could drop the kids off at school, pick them up, and spend evenings reading to them, playing games, and being present in their lives.
As their family expanded, the Greens experienced both joy and challenges. When their fifth child, Miley, was born, they were faced with an unexpected difficulty. Miley was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a condition that required special care and attention. Raising Miley brought sacrifices and adjustments to their lives, and for a time, Cloe and James decided that their family was complete. To avoid further pregnancies, Cloe opted for a contraceptive implant.
But life had other plans for the Greens. Despite taking precautions, Cloe unexpectedly became pregnant again. While Cloe was initially shocked, James saw it differently. “It’s meant to be,” he said with his signature optimism. For him, every child was a gift and a new opportunity to embrace fatherhood.
This time, the couple welcomed twin daughters, Lacey and Lexi, who were also diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Although their care required extra effort, James remained unwavering in his devotion to all his children. By the time their youngest, Elijah, was born, the Greens had a total of eight children. After Elijah’s birth, James and Cloe agreed that their family was finally complete. They felt fulfilled and proud of the life they had built together.
James was often described by friends and family as a “super dad.” He was energetic, loving, and entirely committed to his role as a father. “He’d do the school run, work remotely from a café, then come home and spend the entire evening with the kids,” Cloe recalled. “He always made time for them, no matter how busy the day had been.”
Despite the demands of raising eight children, James thrived in his role. He cherished every moment with his family, and his positivity and energy made him a role model not just to his children, but to everyone around him.
But life took a devastating turn just 12 weeks after Elijah’s birth. On December 4, 2015, James and Cloe went to bed as usual. In the early hours of the morning, James woke up feeling unwell. He sat upright in bed, numb and disoriented. Moments later, he suffered a seizure and stopped breathing. Cloe acted quickly, performing CPR while waiting for paramedics to arrive, but her efforts were in vain. James passed away in their bed, leaving his family heartbroken. He was only 31 years old.
The cause of James’s sudden death was later identified as hypertensive heart disease, a condition caused by prolonged high blood pressure. Tragically, James had no idea he was living with the condition. Like many others with hypertensive heart disease, he experienced no noticeable symptoms and hadn’t undergone regular medical check-ups that could have detected the issue.
James’s death sent shockwaves through his family and community. Cloe, now a widow with eight young children, was left to navigate a life she had never imagined. “In my darkest moments, I wondered how I could do this without James,” she admitted. “But then I looked at those eight little faces depending on me, and I knew I had to keep going—for them and for him.”
Despite her grief, Cloe found strength in the love James had given her and their children. She dedicated herself even more to their family, ensuring her children felt safe, loved, and supported. She held on to the memories of James as a source of comfort and inspiration. “He loved being a dad more than anything,” Cloe shared. “And he made me strong enough to take on this job alone.”
To honor James’s memory, Cloe and the children engage in small but meaningful rituals. One of their favorites is releasing balloons into the sky as a way to feel connected to him. “It’s a simple gesture, but it brings us peace,” Cloe said.
The Green family’s story touched the hearts of many. Their local community rallied around them, providing emotional and financial support during their difficult time. A fundraising campaign raised over $10,000, which was used to renovate the family’s garden, giving the children a safe and joyful space to play—a fitting tribute to James’s love for his family.
Though the pain of losing James will never fully fade, Cloe remains grateful for the years they shared together and the family they built. “A part of his soul will always be with us,” she said. “I’ll always miss him, but I’m thankful he got his wish—a big, loving family.”
Cloe’s resilience in the face of tragedy is nothing short of inspiring. She has turned her pain into strength and has dedicated her life to raising her children in the spirit of the love James showed them every day. Her courage and determination are a testament to the power of love and the legacy of a devoted father.
The Green family’s story is a reminder of the importance of cherishing the moments we have with loved ones. James may no longer be physically present, but his memory lives on in the hearts of his wife and children, and in the countless lives he touched during his time on earth.
Please share this story to honor James’s legacy and celebrate Cloe’s incredible strength and devotion to her family.