North Carolina Mother Dies In The Parking Lot Of Her Daughter’s High School Graduation

North Carolina Mother Dies While Walking Into Her Daughter’s High School Graduation

The tragic news of a Philadelphia mother, Jean Byrd, who died while walking to her daughter’s high school graduation is currently circulating online, leaving netizens heartbroken.

The unfortunate incident happened on May 23rd as Jean Byrd was walking through the parking lot of the Joel Coliseum in Winston-Salem, according to WSBTV.

Jean’s daughter, Meilean, was graduating from Parkland High School, but she was unable to witness the celebratory moment. According to Byrd’s son, Matthew, he was performing CPR on their mother as his sister walked across the stage.

A Mom in North Carolina died while walking into her daughter’s high school graduation🙏🏾🕊️ pic.twitter.com/T8101dl98A

— Raphousetv (RHTV) (@raphousetv2) May 31, 2025

“I sat there and watch my mom’s soul leave out of her. I watched her take her last breath. It was very hard for me and is still hard for me till this day, cause I’m barely getting sleep,” he said.

After attempting to provide lifesaving measures like CPR and chest compressions, Byrd died about an hour after collapsing.

After receiving her diploma, Meilean was pulled aside by a consultant who broke the news that her mother was involved in an accident, and she needed to go to the hospital to check on her. Sadly, that was not the case.

“They told me that my mama had an accident and they were going to the hospital to see her. I thought it was like a car accident and I was really scared,” she said tearfully.

Jean was originally from Philadelphia. Her family wants her buried there, so they’ve started a GoFundMe for people who would like to support their efforts.