A Nebraska couple’s wedding day took a devastating turn Monday when the newlywed husband passed away one hour after exchanging his vows, according to local outlet KETV.
Chaos allegedly unfolded as the couple stepped outside the church following the ceremony, when groom Toraze Davis’ heart stopped beating, KETV reported Thursday. Medical professionals determined Toraze, 48, experienced a fatal blood clot, according to the outlet. The suddenness of the tragedy reportedly left everyone in disbelief, as friends and family tried to come to terms with the heartbreaking loss.
Those in attendance described how beautiful a day it had been for Toraze and his new wife, Johnnie Mae Davis. “It was the happiest day of Toraze’s life,” the bride’s friend and colleague, Monica Miller, told the outlet. “I could just see the smile on his face and how happy he was. And it’s just his energy. I just knew that he was just, it was a great day for him.” (RELATED: Drunk Driver Allegedly Kills Newlywed Bride Leaving Reception In Golf Cart)
‘Widowed and married in a 10-minute span’: Nebraska groom dies an hour after wedding ceremony
https://t.co/OJz37FNY3U— FOX 12 Oregon (@fox12oregon) June 23, 2023
The widow had already faced significant hardships in her life, according to KETV, including the recent loss of her father. Johnnie Mae reportedly devoted herself to helping others and making a positive impact in the community through being a director of ECO Supportive Living.
“Some of the work that Johnnie Mae has done in the community through her own efforts include mentoring early entrepreneurs through the stages of business ownership and financial literacy,” another friend, Jewel Roberson, told the outlet. “Johnnie Mae’s everyday life at ECO Living consists of managing the care network of support for the elderly and disabled.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to help support the widow in her loss. “She’s been widowed and married in a 10-minute span. She’s going to need lawn services. She’s going to need snow removal when the winter comes,” Roberson added.