Tennessee metalcore act Sleep Theory has released a public statement expressing their condolences following the tragic passing of 28-year-old Danielle Uskiwich. The band also donated $5,000 to a GoFundMe campaign established for her family, becoming the fundraiser’s largest contributor.
Uskiwich attended the Pointfest music festival in St. Louis, Missouri, last month. During Sleep Theory‘s performance, she was accidentally kicked in the head by a crowd surfer. In the days following the event, she reported experiencing ongoing headaches and was ultimately admitted to the hospital on May 19, three days after the festival.
Medical staff discovered that she had sustained a brain bleed. She subsequently suffered two major strokes and underwent emergency surgery before being placed in a medically induced coma. She passed away on May 26.
While treating the brain bleed, doctors discovered that Uskiwich suffered from an underlying blood clot condition, which could have posed severe, life-threatening complications even if the festival incident had not occurred.
In response to the tragic news, Sleep Theory shared their sympathies on social media.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of Danielle Uskiwich‘s passing. Our hearts go out to her friends, family, fiance and everyone else who was fortunate enough to know her,” Sleep Theory wrote. “What happened is heartbreaking and we cannot imagine the pain her loved ones are feeling right now.”
They added: “Over the last few days we have been thinking about Danielle and those closest to her. Please join us in sending them all our love, thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time. Rest in Peace, Danielle.”
The GoFundMe campaign was initially launched to help cover the medical expenses associated with her emergency care and coma. Following her passing, the page was updated to inform supporters that all donations will now go toward her accumulated medical bills as well as funeral costs. At the time of reporting, the campaign has successfully surpassed its initial $40,000 goal.
Her cousin, Kristin Shelton, recalled the initial aftermath of the event:
“She went to the concert, and she got kicked in the head,” her cousin Kristin Shelton said (via KSDK). “She ended up calling her mom and said that she was having more headaches.”
Despite aggressive medical intervention in the intensive care unit, she succumbed to her injuries on May 26 at 1:54 PM. At the time of the tragedy, Danielle Uskiwich was actively planning her wedding to her fiancé, Jason.
Reflecting on the timeline, her family views the medical discovery as an unexpected solace amid the heartbreak. Kristin Shelton noted:
“It was just a freak accident that happened, but as a family we’re kind of taking it as a blessing in disguise that if she hadn’t had this injury, she wouldn’t have been at the hospital when she had her stroke. She could have been driving or alone.”
Danielle Uskiwich was deeply integrated into her local community, known for her passion for St. Louis sports, particularly her dedication to the St. Louis Blues hockey team. Prior to her position at St. Charles High School, she worked at Hardin Middle School, where administrators shared a public tribute:
“In the time Dani was at Hardin, she dedicated herself to forming relationships with students, parents, and staff. She was a kind face who greeted our visitors, and worked with students on their attendance.”
“Danielle was loved by so many,” the GoFundMe read. “She had the kindest heart, a beautiful smile, and a spirit that could light up any room, and she was the kind of person people naturally gravitated toward because of her warmth, humor, and the way she made others feel seen and loved.”
In alignment with her generous nature, her parents and fiancé made the decision to donate her organs to give others a second chance at life. On Tuesday afternoon, hospital personnel and loved ones participated in an emotional honor walk before she was transported to Mid-America Transplant in St. Louis.
Kristin Shelton shared an update with supporters at the time, stating:
“It is with absolutely shattered hearts that we share that our beautiful Danielle passed away on May 26th at 1:54 PM.”
“Even through unimaginable grief, Danielle’s immediate family made the incredibly selfless decision to honor her giving spirit through organ donation so that others may have a second chance at life.”
Kristin Shelton added comfort in the thought of the future organ recipients:
“I was thinking about the people who were getting that phone call, ‘Your life’s about to change because now you have a donation from somebody.’”
