Grandfather Left to Care for Two Children After Their Mother's Sudden Death – Details

Jessica Mulkerrins was more than just a mother, she was a fighter, a provider, and the heart of her small family.

A heartbreaking tragedy has left a grandfather stepping in as the primary caregiver for his two young grandchildren after their mother, Jessica Mulkerrins, passed away unexpectedly at just 36. Her sudden death has shaken the family, leaving them to navigate unimaginable grief and new responsibilities.

On the afternoon of April 8, Jessica was at work when she suddenly collapsed. She had gone into sudden cardiac arrest and, heartbreakingly, never regained consciousness, passing away on April 14.

It was later revealed that she had an undiagnosed genetic heart condition known as Brugada Syndrome, a rare disorder that can lead to life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances.

Jessica spent most of her life in Braintree, Massachusetts, where she also attended Braintree High School. She built her career as a hairstylist, working at Stilettos Hair Salon in Holbrook and, more recently, at Supercuts in Braintree.

Known for her vibrant spirit and generous heart, Jessica devoted herself fully to raising her two beloved children, Annabelle 'Belle', 7, and Joseph 'Joey', 10. As a single mother, she dedicated her time, energy, and unwavering love to providing them with a joyful, secure, and nurturing home.

Jessica raised her kids with the support of her parents, Linda Tringali and John Mulkerrins. The family had already experienced profound loss when Linda passed away from cancer, a loss that left a permanent void.

Despite the hardship, Jessica persevered, ensuring her children thrived in school, enjoyed sports, and never missed a celebration.

Now, with Jessica gone, her father John has taken on the responsibility of raising his grandchildren, according to Leah Putman, who has organized a GoFundMe fundraiser.

At a time when John should be enjoying his golden years, he is instead facing the emotional and financial challenges of becoming a full-time guardian to two grieving young children.

The fundraiser, which many have already stepped up to support, is aimed at easing the burdens left behind by this sudden and devastating loss. As of the time of publication, $81,634 has been raised, just shy of the $100,000 goal.

The funds will go toward covering the cost of Jessica's services, ongoing living expenses for the children, and the many unforeseen costs that will come with this new chapter.

As the family faces the road ahead, their community hopes to provide not only financial help but also the love and support needed to carry Belle and Joey through this incredibly difficult time.

Putman also shared an emotional update, expressing both heartbreak over Jessica's passing and pride in the legacy she leaves behind. In a final act of generosity, Jessica, an organ donor, completed an "honor walk" before giving the gift of life to five people across the country.

Her selflessness continues to impact others even in death, offering hope to families in need. Additionally, Putman extended gratitude to everyone who has shown support during this time. He noted, "John has a very tough road ahead caring for these two awesome kids and your kindness will help him as he gets through this incredibly difficult time."

With donations still pouring in and the goal within reach, Putman shared another update, saying that during a conversation with Jessica's grieving father, John, he was moved to tears by the outpouring of generosity.

"Your acts of kindness in this difficult time have helped lift our hearts. From the amazing level of compassion Jessica received in her final days to your expressions of love and support for Belle, Joey, and John it is obvious that there are so many good people out there," Putman gushed.

Tributes have also poured in, with many people not only sharing heartfelt messages but also circulating the GoFundMe link, urging others to rally behind Belle, Joey, and their grandfather during this incredibly tough time.

One mourner, Lyss Smith, shared her sorrow online, "My heart is heavy this morning 💔😭#TheGirls #LifeIsUnfairRest peacefully baby girl Jessica Mulkerrins."

Another mourner, Kevin Struzziero, shared how surreal Jessica's passing still feels to him. To him, she wasn't just his fiancée Lauren's cousin, she was family in the truest sense and a close friend.

"The love and support we have had over the last week is unmatched. Some family members flew from England immediately to be here to support one another. I mean it with everything in my soul when I say that I love my family and feel lucky to have all of you. We all loved ya Jess," he penned.

Meanwhile, Stephanie Puopolo expressed deep sorrow over Jessica's passing, describing her as a bright light who entered her life during a dark time and brought daily joy.

"Watching you grow and become an amazing mother was beyond amazing and you will be truly missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know you . Your laugh and humor won't ever be forgotten," Puopolo added.

Jessica had so many people passionate about her. They will remember her kindness, strength, infectious laughter, and fiery spirit. She was a devoted daughter, mother, cousin, niece, and friend to many, both in the US and the UK.

Her absence is profoundly felt, yet her memory will live on through the lives she touched, especially in the hearts of her beautiful children. Her loved ones will miss her deeply and love her forever, and in their hearts, she will never be forgotten.

John and the family have extended their gratitude to the incredible staff at South Shore Hospital, particularly Dr. Frank and the nurses, for the compassionate care they provided to Jessica in her final days.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 19th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Cartwright-Venuti Funeral Home, 845 Washington St., Braintree, to honor and celebrate Jessica's life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the GoFundMe fundraiser.

As Braintree mourns the sudden loss of 36-year-old Jessica, another community across the country is facing a devastating tragedy of its own. In Stokes County, loved ones are grieving the heartbreaking death of 17-year-old William James Turner, who was killed in a car crash on his way to prom.

The accident occurred Saturday evening, April 12, on North Carolina 8 near Sawmill Road. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the vehicle Turner was driving, a 2002 Ford Taurus, veered off the right side of the road, overcorrected, and crossed over the center line.

The car left the roadway, passed through a yard, and crashed into two trees. Turner, a senior at North Stokes High School, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators determined that speed was a contributing factor in the crash. The devastating incident happened just hours before Turner was expected to join his classmates at one of the most memorable events of senior year, prom.

Earlier that day, Turner had found a painted rock with the words "I'm ready" written on it, something his grandmother, Bonnie Roberts, described as a powerful and symbolic moment in hindsight.

"I think God was letting us know he was coming to get Will to bring him home to heaven. God may have been ready but we were not. Oh my sweet grandson. How our hearts are broken. We love and miss you so much," Roberts mourned.

Still, Turner's grandmother leaned on her faith as she said goodbye to her grandson, sharing, "God has a purpose for everything, even if we don't understand."

Just hours before the tragedy, Roberts captured proud moments of the teen dressed for prom. In the photos she shared online, Turner stood tall in a black tuxedo paired with a maroon bowtie, cowboy hat, and brown shoes.

He beamed with pride, posing beside his car, smiling solo, and soaking in the love of his grandmother, who gave him a warm kiss on the cheek. In others, he stood next to his prom date, who wore a flowing purple gown.

When news of the tragedy spread, Stokes County Schools Superintendent Brad Rice said, "As our school community grieves this profound loss, we want to express our deepest condolences to Will’s family and friends."

Rice acknowledged the deep emotional toll on students, staff, and the wider community due to Turner's demise. Grief counselors were made available to help those affected cope with the sudden loss.

"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from our community, and we remain committed to coming together to comfort and uplift one another as we navigate this painful moment of grief," Rice added.

The tragedy has left a lasting impact on the community, uniting friends, family, and neighbors in remembrance of a young life lost far too soon.

Emma Flick, one of Turner's classmates, shared a heartfelt message about the weight of returning to class without him. "Being a grieving classmate walking into a room with an empty desk, knowing your fellow classmate should be there, is incredibly hard," she wrote.

Flick added, "We were all used to impatiently waiting to be dismissed for lunch, coming back to crack jokes, or just having your presence in the room. But today was different—harder."

She reflected on how her biggest concerns used to be things like the weather on graduation day or tripping while walking across the stage. "Never had it crossed my mind: would there be an empty chair?" she penned.

Flick also praised her late classmate, "You never did me wrong. You were always such a kind soul and one of the funniest people to joke around with. I'm not sure how to process everything that's happening, but I know these next few months are going to hurt."

On the other hand, Karen Bullins has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral and final expenses for Turner.

"Please pray for Will's family," she wrote, noting that all donations would go toward the funeral, a headstone, and, with any remaining funds, a scholarship for a graduating 2025 North Stokes senior in Turner's honor. The fundraiser set a target of $15,000 and had raised $17,528 at the time of publication.

As Turner's family navigates the heartbreak of his sudden loss, they can find some comfort in knowing that the financial burden of laying him to rest is being lifted, thanks to the generosity of those who care.