Kalaivani Balakrishnan, 41, died at her home in Kirkby on Tuesday, November 11, after suffering a medical emergency that sparked a major incident that saw two air ambulances on the scene
A expectant mother who tragically passed away at home during a medical emergency has been remembered as “kind-hearted” by relatives in a touching tribute.
Emergency crews raced to a property on Highsted Road in Kirkby just before 11am on Tuesday, November 11, after reports of a critical medical situation. Merseyside Police confirmed officers were summoned to the location by the North West Ambulance Service after a woman in her 40s, identified as Kalaivani Balakrishnan, aged 41, needed urgent medical care.
Police arrived at the semi-detached property to assist paramedics, but tragically, despite all efforts, Kalaivani passed away at the scene. According to a GoFundMe campaign circulated online, Kalaivani was 25 weeks pregnant when she suddenly collapsed at her Kirkby residence, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Despite the valiant attempts of emergency responders, the twins she was expecting also tragically perished at the family residence, the fundraiser revealed. Her cousin, Mani Pav, 37, from Leeds, described to the ECHO how she was “kind-hearted, helping and was never angry with anyone”.
Kalaivani’s family are now collecting funds to transport her body to Malaysia following her unexpected death.
Speaking to the ECHO, Mani expressed: “She always helped a lot with other people. She was very, very kind-hearted.”
A memorial message on the GoFundMe page stated: “Kalaivani, a beloved music teacher, a gentle soul, and a voice that could melt hearts was more than a teacher. She was a light in the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Through her songs, she brought joy, healing, and peace to those around her.
“Beyond her incredible talent, Kalaivani was known for her kindness. She nurtured generations of students, not just in music but in life, teaching them patience and humility. Her loss leaves a silence that words can hardly fill. Yet her spirit continues to resonate in every song she taught, every heart she touched, and every memory she left behind.
“Kalaivani’s melody will forever live on in our hearts, in her students, and in the music she loved so deeply.”
The relatives are collecting donations to assist with bringing Ms Balakrishnan and her two twins back to Malaysia for burial. The funds will also offer financial assistance to her husband and relatives during their period of mourning.
Her spouse is currently receiving care from Alder Hey Children’s Hospital staff and specially trained Merseyside Police officers. Local residents also honoured Kalaivani after learning of her tragic death on Tuesday (November 11).
‘An incredible talent’
One neighbour remarked: “It’s so, so sad. They moved in around three years ago and I only saw them a couple of times. I remember when I first saw them around Halloween, they didn’t put any decorations up but she was there handing sweets out. I can’t sleep thinking about the family, it’s so sad.”
Another neighbour commented: “I didn’t really know them. They’ve not lived here that long and she seemed really quiet. She seemed lovely whenever I saw her outside the house.”
She added: “We have a group chat with all the neighbours and we’re all so shocked and sad.”
A file has since been passed to the coroner for Sefton, St Helens and Knowsley before being transferred to the coroner for Liverpool and Wirral. A spokesperson for Merseyside Police confirmed on Tuesday evening: “We can sadly confirm that a woman has passed away following a reported medical emergency in Kirkby earlier today.
“At around 10.55am today (Tuesday, November 11), we received a report from North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) that a woman aged in her 40s required urgent medical attention at a home on Highsted Road. The woman, who was pregnant, passed away at the scene.
“Officers attended to support NWAS and to assist with the transport of family to hospital. At this stage, the woman’s death is being treated as non-suspicious and her next of kin has been informed. A report will be sent to the Coroner’s Office.
“Whilst we remain at scene to establish the full circumstances, no criminal offences have been identified and no one has been arrested.
“We would discourage anyone from engaging in speculation online about the circumstances of this incident, which is unhelpful and potentially hurtful to those involved.”