January 24, 2016
Source/GoFundMe
Briahna Gerloff, 18, was eight months pregnant when she died after shoveling in Pottstown on Saturday, January 23, 2016.
A pregnant teenager in Pottstown died Saturday morning after shoveling snow during the powerful blizzard that swept through the region this weekend, according to the teen's family.
Briahna Gerloff, 18, was shoveling snow outside her home on 2nd Street around 9 a.m. Saturday when she became ill, according to NBC 10. A family member explained that Gerloff suffered from a heart disorder known as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. He had advised her that it might not be a good idea for her to shovel, but she decided to do so anyway.
After the family member briefly left the area, he returned to find that Gerloff was missing. He attempted to enter her home, but found that the door was locked. When he eventually gained entry through the basement, he searched the home and discovered Gerloff unresponsive on the kitchen floor.
The family attempted to perform CPR until an ambulance arrived, but medics were unable to revive her. Gerloff was eight months into her pregnancy. Her child did not survive.
Briahna's family and friends have created a GoFundMe page to help with funeral costs and alleviate financial stress. They posted the following message on the account.
Today, January 23, 2016 God took not one, but two beautiful angels. Gone too soon. Briahna was 18 years old and 8 months pregnant with her daughter Kayliana. She passed away this morning as well as her daughter. Her family now has to deal with all the emotional stress of losing Briahna & Kayliana, but in two short months it will be three years since Briahna's mother passed away. They also have to deal with financial stress including funeral costs. I know we will not raise the full goal, but every little bit helps! Please keep the Gerloff family in your thoughts and prayers!
An official cause of Gerloff's death has not been determined and police continue to investigate the incident.
