An Arizona Family Raises Awareness After Loss of Their Toddler

An Arizona mother faced the unimaginable loss of her toddler after previously being told her health was stable. Aubrey Tenney, 32, recalls her daughter, Olive, as a vibrant child. Olive, affectionately called Ollie, had a remarkable love for water, treated strangers as friends, and brought joy to her family. “She was a true ray of light,” Aubrey shared. “She was a calm baby, but after turning one, she developed a lively personality and was always eager to learn.”

On November 1, 2023, Olive’s life was tragically cut short. The family received inconclusive results from her autopsy, prompting a search for understanding instead of certainty. Aubrey, with her husband David, is also a parent to Tanner, 6, and 1-year-old twins Wes and Mae. She recalls two alarming incidents that occurred before Olive’s death.

The first incident was on July 4 in California. After a beach day, Olive fell asleep in her aunt’s arms. Suddenly her condition appeared concerning. Aubrey’s sister noticed Olive’s lips turning blue. Quick actions like pouring water and patting her back helped Olive recover. At urgent care, they were assured Olive seemed fine, attributing the episode possibly to dehydration with no fever present.

Once home, the pediatrician suggested the event might have been a febrile seizure, commonly caused by a fever spike in young children. However, there were no definitive answers.

Another episode happened on September 2. After a family dinner, Olive began seizing in her car seat. Aubrey immediately stopped and took her to safety while help was called. Hospital assessments indicated Olive had a slight fever. The pediatrician reinforced that febrile seizures are typical in children. After consulting, the family opted not to pursue neurological testing, choosing instead for vigilant monitoring during illnesses.

Tragedy struck on November 1. Aubrey was coaching volleyball when David discovered Olive wasn’t breathing. Aubrey desperately hoped for a miracle. Despite efforts from medical personnel, Olive couldn’t be revived.

Throughout their grief, Aubrey and David learned about Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC), which remains unexplained even after thorough investigation. Studies, such as one from January 2024 in Neurology by NYU Grossman School of Medicine, propose a link between SUDC and febrile seizures, though such complications don’t affect all children with febrile seizures.

Aubrey now shares Olive’s story through TikTok (@aubreytenney) to spread awareness. “I don’t want fear to prevail,” she expressed. “Her story aims to inform, not frighten.” The family celebrates Olive’s life annually on her birthday, honoring her memory by wearing olive green, eating edamame, and cherishing moments together.

“We have olive trees everywhere,” Aubrey explained. “Our household is filled with reminders of Olive. My twins know her story; we often mention her name. She remains a present part of our lives.”