Influencer Melissa Mae Carlton Receives Diagnosis for Late Daughter Molly, 4 Months After Her Sudden Death at Age 5

Melissa Mae Carlton has received a diagnosis for her late daughter Molly.

In December 2025, Carlton — who shares her life on Instagram with over 150,000 followers — posted that Molly, 5, had died. Carlton and her husband Tom’s 9-year-old daughter Abigail died of sepsis in April 2024. (The pair also share daughter Lily and son Harry.)

In a video posted on Thursday, April 23, Melissa shared that her family had “finally” received a diagnosis for Molly, which they were almost certain was the same condition Abigail had.

Melissa said that her daughter Molly was diagnosed with PPA2, a rare genetic mitochondrial condition that can be passed down from parents who are carriers. The condition can cause sudden cardiac events in children who are otherwise completely healthy.

In her video, Melissa credited the SUDC Foundation — an organization that funds research for and supports families affected by Sudden Unexplained Death in Children — for advocating to get Molly tested after her death. She also noted that the rest of their family is in the process of getting tested to see if they have the same condition.

“They’re also conducting cutting edge research right now,” said the influencer. “Consider supporting them, donating to them and just helping with awareness because these families really need and deserve answers.”

Melissa also reflected in her update on the reaction she’s received online after sharing the tragic news that her daughter died, calling some of the responses evidence of the “dark side of social media.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“I’ve also seen the best side of it people rallying around us and trying to help us,” she continued. “I haven’t been able to see or get back to every message that I’ve got — I’ve seen many of them and feel very loved and supported. I just want to say thank you so much, again. We really appreciate, and I really look forward to raising more awareness for SUDC and for PPA2.”

In February, Melissa and her family held a funeral for Molly. The family also marked two years since Abigail’s death in April, sharing a compilation of clips of her late daughter.