Patriots Linebacker’s Family Mourns After Rare Infection Leads to Stillbirth

New England Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai and his wife, Kalei Mau, are mourning their unborn daughter. The tragedy occurred in late November after Mau suffered a severe medical crisis. She shared the heartbreaking details in a recent Instagram post.

The family was expecting to welcome their baby girl in March. Mau was placed in a medically induced coma after being found unresponsive at home.

A Devastating Medical Emergency Unfolds

Kalei Mau revealed she contracted an extremely rare blood infection. This happened while she was six months pregnant. The infection led to multiple organ failure.

According to her account, the sickness also infected her placenta. This caused their baby, whom they planned to name Ka ua, to pass away in the womb. Mau was still unconscious in the coma during the subsequent natural labor.

The Patriots organization provided support to the family throughout the ordeal. Medical professionals worked to stabilize Mau’s condition for six days. Her story highlights the severe and unpredictable risks some pregnancies face.

Finding Meaning Amid Profound Grief

Mau has spoken about finding a renewed purpose after her recovery. She described kissing her daughter for the first and last time after leaving the hospital. The experience has profoundly changed her perspective on life.

She expressed deep gratitude for her medical team and the Patriots family. Mau also noted a poignant sign from her daughter’s name, which means “the rain” in Hawaiian. It began to rain after she said her final goodbye.

The family’s focus is now on healing and honoring their baby’s memory. They have a 13-month-old daughter, Honua, at home. Mau’s public sharing aims to bring awareness to pregnancy complications and infant loss.

The family’s public grief sheds light on the painful reality of stillbirth. Their story underscores the importance of medical support and community during unimaginable loss.

Thought you’d like to know

What caused Kalei Mau’s medical emergency?

Mau contracted an extremely rare blood infection. This infection led to organ failure and affected her placenta. The situation required a medically induced coma.

How far along was the pregnancy?

Kalei Mau was six months pregnant. The baby was due in March of 2026. The family had already chosen a name for their daughter.

What is the baby’s name and its meaning?

The parents planned to name her Ka ua Tavai. It means “the rain” in Olelo O Hawai’i. Mau found comfort in this meaning after her loss.

How has the Patriots organization responded?

The New England Patriots provided support to the Tavai family. Mau publicly thanked the team in her post. The organization is known for supporting players’ families during personal crises.

Do health officials track similar pregnancy complications?

Health agencies like the CDC monitor data on severe maternal morbidity. Rare infections leading to stillbirth are tracked as part of wider maternal health studies. Each case provides critical data for medical understanding.