Family tragedy: influencer Melissa Mae Carlton’s second daughter dies in less than two years

Content creator Melissa Mae Carlton announced the passing of her youngest daughter, Molly, on December 25, 2025, just a year and a half after the death of her eldest daughter, Abigail, who had passed away in April 2024 at the age of 9. Carlton shared the news on her social media, recounting that on Christmas morning Molly and her sister Abi “reunited”, and that this is the only thing that brings her a little relief amidst the pain. She expressed that she and her husband, Tom Carlton, are devastated, in a state of disbelief and shock at the loss. The influencer thanked the prayers and messages of support received after the announcement, and mentioned that in the coming days and weeks they will have to face multiple procedures and challenges. The cause of Molly’s death has not yet been officially determined, but Carlton indicated that doctors suspect that a possible hereditary heart disease could have affected both daughters.

Melissa Mae Carlton is known for sharing reflections on motherhood, Christian faith, and resilience in the face of grief on social media. Carlton and her husband Tom married in 2011 and had four children: Lily, Abigail, Harry, and Molly. After the death of Abigail, the family created the Mourning Light Collective, a support community for people facing grief processes.