North Carolina Mom Dies Outside Daughter's Graduation Ceremony

Jean Byrd, a mother from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, tragically collapsed and died from cardiac arrest just moments before her daughter Meilean's high school graduation at the Joel Coliseum. Her son Marquan Matthews, who was inside the venue, performed CPR on her in the parking lot until paramedics arrived, but she passed away only about 200 feet from the ceremony. Meilean, unaware of the situation while walking across the stage, was later escorted by a guidance counselor to the hospital where she learned of her mother's death. Byrd had a history of heart problems and was known for her energetic, loving nature and being a safe haven for many children. The family, originally from Philadelphia, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to honor her final wish of being buried in her hometown. The community mourns the loss of a deeply loved woman whose death occurred just before a significant family milestone.