RIP: United States Mother Dies in Nairobi, Kenya After Being Infected During Kenya Church Mission
A church mission to support vulnerable children in Kenya ended in tragedy after an American mother of four died following a severe bacterial infection that overwhelmed her body while she was in Nairobi.
Ayla Garcia, from Richmond in the United States, had travelled to Kenya on June 30 with members of her church and relatives to volunteer at an orphanage. What began as a humanitarian mission quickly turned into a medical emergency after she contracted a serious salmonella infection.
According to her family, Garcia was admitted to a Nairobi hospital just days after arriving in Kenya as her condition rapidly worsened. She battled the infection for nearly two weeks but later succumbed to multiple complications despite receiving intensive medical care.
Garcia had been living with sickle cell disease, a condition that weakens the body's ability to fight certain infections. Her family explained that the salmonella infection spread beyond her digestive system into her bloodstream, kidneys and liver, causing life-threatening complications.
Doctors reportedly carried out at least four blood transfusions after her haemoglobin levels dropped dangerously low. She was also placed on dialysis after her kidneys began failing and later developed jaundice as her liver function deteriorated.
As her condition worsened, commercial airlines determined she was medically unfit to travel back to the United States on a regular flight. Her family began exploring the possibility of arranging a specialised medical evacuation, but the process was delayed by insurance complications, international paperwork and regulatory requirements.
Garcia's mother, Patricia Garcia, recalled the emotional moment her daughter was transferred to the intensive care unit, saying the family was shocked by how quickly the infection had progressed despite treatment.
Following her death, the family launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to settle outstanding hospital bills and repatriate her body to the United States for burial. They explained that the hospital requires all medical expenses to be cleared before her remains can be released.
The tragedy has drawn sympathy from supporters in both Kenya and the United States, with many sending messages of condolence while contributing to the fundraising effort.
Garcia's death has also highlighted the health risks that humanitarian workers and volunteers can face while travelling abroad, particularly individuals living with underlying medical conditions. Health experts generally advise travellers to seek medical guidance before international trips, observe food and water safety precautions, and ensure they have comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
Family members described Garcia as a devoted mother, compassionate volunteer and woman of faith whose desire was to serve disadvantaged children.
They said they remain focused on fulfilling her final journey by bringing her home to the United States, where relatives and friends can give her a proper farewell.
