[blkhp19]

After reading the very small amount of information provided about the reason for her passing, I can't help but be curious about the exact reason. Sometimes it's comforting to know that something was a freak accident, versus something preventable. Does anyone know what might have happened in this case?

I certainly hope this isn't perceived as being insensitive. I can't imagine the pain he's going through, and I truly do hope he finds some amount of comfort or normalcy in this unimaginably painful time.

[JshWright]

Given her age, recent travel, and progression of symptoms, it seems very likely it was an acute pulmonary embolism.

[copperx]

What does travel have to do with it?

[blkhp19]

Perhaps long periods of sitting on a flight?

If you suspect this is happening to you (all of the sudden you can't really breathe), is there anything you can even do? Or just hope it's not bad enough to be fatal?

[js2]

Go to a doctor right away. There are anticoagulants which can dissolve blood clots and/or ways of physically preventing the clot from reaching the lungs.

Also an ounce of prevention: avoid extended sitting; exercise regularly.

https://www.webmd.com/lung/tc/pulmonary-embolism-treatment-o...

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thr...

[JshWright]

If you experience sudden shortness of breath, call 911 (or whatever your local emergency services number is).

[cpncrunch]

Taking aspirin might help, although there is no published evidence:

http://emj.bmj.com/content/22/5/365

[NelsonMinar]

This conversation is inappropriate.

[cpncrunch]

It's not inappropriate. Many of us would like to avoid this happening to our loved ones if at all possible.