Nebraska Groom’s Heart Stops An Hour After Saying ‘I Do,’ Leaving Bride And Family Distraught

On what was supposed to be one of the happiest moments for a Nebraska newlywed couple turned tragic when the groom died an hour after saying, “I do.”

On June 19, Toraze and Johnnie Mae Davis were surrounded by their loved ones for their nuptials, with attendees saying, “It was a beautiful ceremony.” According to NBC, after the ceremony, with the rest of the festivities well underway, the groom collapsed as his heart stopped, causing panic among the crowd.

Toraze 48, was escorted out of his wedding by ambulance, but could not be revived after the fall. The cause of death: a fatal blood clot that made his wife a widow in minutes.

A fundraiser was set up online to help Johnnie Mae pay for funeral expenses and support their family. It has garnered more than $12,000 so far to cover the hefty costs.

In addition to the GoFundMe, a meal train and donation collection box at Johnnie Mae’s place of work was established to provide additional assistance. Davis is a director at ECO Supportive Living, organizing events and helping older people and the disabled live normally.

Her supervisor, Monica Miller, urged their community to support Johnnie Mae at such an unfortunate time.

“Johnnie Mae has dedicated her life to helping others, specifically aiming to protect the most vulnerable members,” Miller said. “It doesn’t matter what time or how big the need is Johnnie Mae is always willing to help.

“I’m asking that the community come together and give back the same support she does continuously. I just really want the community and all of us to just support her in the same way that she does on a daily basis.”

The funeral for Toraze is scheduled for July 5 in Nebraska.