The tragedy of Jackie Miller James
The 35-year-old California-based influencer, Jackie Miller James, is currently fighting for her life in an intensive care unit after suffering a ruptured aneurysm, which led to severe brain bleeding and injury, just one week before she was due to have her baby.
A horrifying scene for her husband
According to her GoFundMe page, Jackie’s husband Austin found her collapsed following the aneurysm and rushed her to the emergency room. Jackie and her baby arrived at the hospital just in time, both at risk of losing their lives.
A simultaneous C-section and brain surgery![]()
Once she arrived at the hospital, Jackie underwent an emergency C-section and brain surgery simultaneously. A baby girl was delivered, but due to the trauma of her birth, she had to stay in the neonatal ICU for 12 days.
Jackie is in a coma, but she met her baby
The beauty influencer has had a total of five brain procedures and remains in a medically induced coma. “Jackie is continuing to fight for her life each day and we are optimistic she can beat the odds by surrounding her with the right specialists and methods of therapy,” say her sisters on the GoFundMe page.
She was just finding her stride in her 30s ![]()
In a recent post, she shared how amazing her 30s were and how happy she was moving on her own timeline. She had just become a successful content creator, gotten married, and was overjoyed to be expecting her first baby. “God was just waiting for me to be ready. Trust the process and know that your 30s are where it’s at!” she wrote.
The influencer had been complaining of severe pregnancy side effects
In the days leading up to her brain aneurysm rupture, Jackie had posted about several pregnancy symptoms she said she was not expecting.
A long list of complaints![]()
She complained of “insane pressure” that caused her to snore loudly, “insane swelling around ankles and toes,” carpal tunnel in her hands, bolts of nerve pain around her nether region, uncontrolled emotions, insomnia, and easily becoming short of breath.
Months before that, she added other symptoms
Sharing her journey, she also discussed some of the unpleasant symptoms that surfaced in the second trimester, which included bleeding gums, discomfort in the pelvic area, terrible congestion, hormonal changes, dry and itchy scalp, and a metallic taste in her mouth.
Aneurysms are common, ruptures are not![]()
According to the Mayo Clinic, brain aneurysms are common, but most aren’t that serious because they are small and don’t rupture. The most common symptom of a ruptured aneurysm is a severe headache. The Cleveland Clinic says around 50% of people die within three months of the rupture due to complications, and of the survivors, 66% have permanent brain damage.
They can be linked to pregnancy![]()
While ruptures haven’t typically been linked to pregnancy, a European 2020 review of studies found that the physiological changes seen in pregnancy “likely elevate the risk of intracranial aneurysm formation, growth, and rupture.”
Preeclampsia?
While Jackie never mentioned a diagnosis, many of her fans heard about her symptoms and suggested she may have been suffering from preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication that can lead to dangerously high blood pressure and is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Some of its symptoms include swelling, shortness of breath, and pain in the upper belly.
Maternal mortality in the US![]()
In 2021, there were 32.9 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Maternal death is defined as the death of a woman from any cause related to or aggravated by pregnancy. In high-income nations overall, the figure is 12 deaths per 100,000 births, while in low-income countries, the figure is at 430 deaths, according to the World Health Organization.
Her family pleads for help
Jackie’s sisters have set up a GoFundMe to help fund the influencer’s care. “In addition to what insurance can cover, the family has been advised to expect significant outside costs related to speech therapy, physical therapy, home modifications, and alternative therapies once we realize the severity of her deficits,” says the GoFundMe page.
Her fans came through with the money![]()
Jackie’s supporters have come through for her, donating more than $268,000 for the beautiful blonde’s recovery, surpassing the $250,000 goal. Several fans donated $5,000 each.
57,000 followers on Instagram
Jackie is a highly popular beauty influencer, primarily sharing tips on skin, hair, love, life, and fashion. Her approach is honest and raw, and she’s one of the few beauty gurus to take fans into the doctor’s office for Botox injections and fillers. She also speaks openly of her insecurities.
She was a professional dancer until another accident![]()
