Tragically, Bethannie Booth planned her own funeral before falling into a coma due to sepsis. The 24-year-old primary school worker passed away only a few weeks after experiencing what she thought were cold symptoms. Despite seeking medical help, she was unaware of the severity of her condition. Booth’s family, in honor of her selfless nature, began spreading awareness about sepsis, emphasizing the importance of recognizing its signs to potentially save lives.
“I think I am going to die.”
After noticing red spots on her face, Booth confided in her sister about feeling unwell. Hospital tests confirmed strep A and a collapsed lung, leading to the development of sepsis, a critical condition where the immune system attacks healthy tissue. Before being put into a coma, Booth sent goodbye messages to her family, expressing her fears. Even in such distressing moments, she managed to maintain her humor and plan her own funeral arrangements.

“If we can save one poor family…”
Despite fighting bravely and receiving care from medical professionals, Booth tragically succumbed to sepsis. Her family, overwhelmed with support and condolences, aims to raise awareness to prevent others from experiencing a similar tragedy. Sepsis, often caused by untreated infections, requires immediate attention to prevent severe complications or even death.
Recognizing the signs of sepsis, such as extreme pain, confusion, or a rash that does not fade, is crucial for prompt treatment. It’s vital to advocate for one’s health and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen. Booth’s family hopes that sharing her story will help save lives and prevent others from underestimating the severity of seemingly minor illnesses.
More about sepsis
Sepsis can affect anyone but poses a higher risk to certain groups, including the elderly, infants, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Prompt recognition and treatment are essential to combat this life-threatening condition. Understanding the symptoms of sepsis, such as a high heart rate, confusion, or clammy skin, can potentially save lives by enabling timely intervention.
It’s crucial to be aware of the signs of sepsis and seek immediate medical attention if needed. Sepsis progresses rapidly, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent further complications.
Sources
- Lydia Stephens. “Young woman with cold and flu symptoms dies within weeks.” Wales Online. April 4, 2023
- Rowenna Hoskin. “Sepsis: Woman, 24, dies weeks after getting flu symptoms.” BBC. April 6, 2023
- “Symptoms: Sepsis.” NHS. September 5, 2022
- “What is Sepsis?” CDC. August 9, 2022