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Six kids orphaned after parents die within one day of each other

MADISON COUNTY, Ala. — A family is recovering from a heartbreaking and unexpected loss. Six children, ranging in age from 6 to 20, are now orphans after both their parents passed away 24 hours apart.

Mom Jennifer Norsworthy, 40, died of a blood clot Friday. The family told AL.com she had a history of blood clots and formed one in her sleep on Friday. She was pronounced dead at Madison Hospital in Alabama.

Friends and family say her husband, Toby Norsworthy, 38, was taken by his grief. They believe the stress and heartbreak of losing his wife caused his heart attack early Sunday morning. He was pronounced dead at the same hospital Sunday.

 

 

The couple had three children together — Mickey, 11, Aurora, 9, and Lainie, 6. Jennifer had three children from an earlier marriage — Quinten, 20, Riley, 17, and Bradley, 13.

According to WHNT, Jennifer and Toby were active members of their church.

"Right now, it's painful and it hurts," associate pastor Ricky Self told WHNT. "But one day we will be able to see them again and that's what we're hanging our hats on."

Family and friends set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for their children. So far, the page has raised nearly $40,000 — well above its original $5,000 goal.