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Family's shock as pregnant Gillingham mum Jade Glen, 22, found dead on floor days after being released from hospital

The death of a young mother who was eight months pregnant has left her devastated family with many unanswered questions.

Jade Glen, 22, was found dead along with her unborn baby at her parents' home in Gillingham on Monday. Her toddler son Mickey was with her at the time.

Family who went to the house to find out why she was not answering her phone looked through the letterbox and spotted the 18-month-old boy wandering around inside.

Jade with son Mickey, who was with her when she died
Jade with son Mickey, who was with her when she died

Jade had been discharged from hospital after eight days of treatment for a suspected blood clot.

Her family are now awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to find out exactly how she died.

Mother Trish Chart, of Cobham Rise, said: "We just don't know what happened. We are all in shock."

Jade was due to give birth in July. In a double tragedy, her unborn daughter - who she was going to name Dolly May - died with her.

Jade Glen, who was eight months pregnant, died at 22
Jade Glen, who was eight months pregnant, died at 22

Popular Jade was admitted to hospital at the beginning of May.

She spent eight days on a ward and was treated for a suspected blood clot on her lung before being discharged.

Jade returned to hospital on Saturday because she was feeling unwell, but after being checked, was sent home again.

When her boyfriend Michael Arnold could not reach her on the phone on Monday morning, he raised the alarm.

A family member visited the house and, after looking through the letterbox, could see Mickey on his own.

Tragic Jade Glen with partner Michael Arnold
Tragic Jade Glen with partner Michael Arnold

Jade's father, Floyd Glen, returned to the house and found his daughter dead on the bathroom floor.

Her family think she had been brushing her teeth – the cold tap was still running and her toothbrush was next to her.

Boyfriend Michael said: "It has been a big shock. Everyone is devastated. Life was a roller-coaster with Jade but she was a big person with a big heart. Her death has cut me to pieces."

Jade, a former New Brompton College pupil, had struggled with mental illness for many years after being diagnosed as bipolar when she was just 15.

But she was looking forward to the birth of her daughter and making a new start.

The family of Jade Glen are shocked by her death at 22
The family of Jade Glen are shocked by her death at 22

Mickey had been temporarily living with his grandparents until Jade, of Jezreels Road, Gillingham, was more settled - but she spent every day with him.

Jade's mother, Trish Chart, said: "It is nice to know that she spent her last few hours with Mickey.

"She struggled sometimes but she loved Mickey with all her heart. She got to take him to his first day at playschool on Friday and she was so pleased to be able to do that. Mickey was everything to her."

Jade's father said: "Mickey was living with us but she was there when it mattered.

"She didn't want Mickey back living with her again until she knew she could do it right."

Jade pictured laughing with her toddler son Mickey
Jade pictured laughing with her toddler son Mickey

He added: "Her life had been turbulent but she had a new beginning; she was about to move to a new house, she had the baby on the way and Mickey was going to live with her again.

"Mickey was the best thing to have happened to her and it would have been the same with the second baby."

Jade, who spent her 22nd birthday in hospital on May 1, was due to give birth on July 10.

She and partner Michael had already picked the name Dolly May.

Trish added: "Jade had been desperate to find out what sex the baby was and she was so pleased she was having a girl because she already had a boy. She had bought lots of things for Dolly and everything was ready."

Pregnant mother Jade Glen pictured with partner Michael Arnold
Pregnant mother Jade Glen pictured with partner Michael Arnold

Her father added: "Jade was in a really good place before she died. She had a new start and her future was looking really positive. That is what is so tragic."

Jade's death has been referred to the coroner.

Her Facebook page has been flooded with tributes and her family have been inundated with messages of support.

Julie Poole wrote on Facebook: "RIP beautiful angels. My whole family and me are so shocked and sad. Will always miss you Jade and still think of all the crazy times. You was feisty and fun and a real gem, family loving girl."

Keziah Bangar wrote: "Still can't believe what's happened. Jade was the cheekiest one and was always up for a laugh. So many good memories.

"You've touched everyone's lives and are extremely loved and missed by us all. You were never afraid to just be yourself and are beautiful."

Touching tributes have been paid to Jade Glen, pictured with son Mickey
Touching tributes have been paid to Jade Glen, pictured with son Mickey

Jade's boyfriend Michael said: "So many people have said so many nice things. It has been warming to read all the messages.

"She was very popular. She will always be loved and cherished."

According to her parents, Jade had always liked to be centre of attention. As a child she was involved with the Medway Little Theatre youth group and was a member of a local dance school.

After leaving school, she attended MidKent College where she gained a hairdressing qualification.

Trish said: "She was the funniest, most intelligent person you could meet. She was crazy – she would ring you up at 4am for a chat. But she was so generous and so kind. She had a heart of gold."

Did you know Jade Glen? Leave your tributes below.


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