Indiana Mom's Sudden Death on Flight from Dominican Republic Due to Natural Causes

Stefanie Smith, a 41-year-old mother from Indiana, died from a carotid artery dissection while flying home from the Dominican Republic. This condition, which affects the major blood vessels supplying blood to the brain, is the most common cause of strokes in younger patients. Smith, who was an avid exerciser, suddenly went into convulsions on the plane and was diverted to a medical center in the Turks and Caicos, where she passed away. Her body is expected to be returned to Indiana next week.