Influencer Stacey Hatfield’s Tragic Passing Following Home Birth: Key Details Revealed

Australian wellness influencer Stacey Warnecke (née Hatfield) tragically passed away at the age of 30 in September 2025 due to issues stemming from a “freebirth.”

On October 19, 2025, Stacey’s husband, Nathan Warnecke, revealed that his wife had died nearly three weeks earlier following “an unforeseen and extremely rare complication” during childbirth at their home in Melbourne. A “freebirth” refers to a delivery without the assistance of a midwife or any other medical professional.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I share the unexpected passing of my beautiful wife, soul mate, and best friend, Stacey Warnecke (Hatfield),” he shared via Instagram.

In the weeks that followed Stacey’s death, reports indicated that she and Nathan may have been assisted in their “freebirth” by an unregistered doula. A coroner’s inquest in December 2025 revealed that Stacey had declined all forms of medical care — including ultrasounds and obstetrical appointments — throughout her pregnancy due to concerns about Australia’s COVID-19 health regulations.

Continue reading for more details regarding Stacey’s death.

Who Was Wellness Influencer Stacey Hatfield?

Stacey referred to herself as a “low tox nutritionist” and “food content creator” on the Instagram page for her brand, Natural Spoonfuls, which had amassed over 21,000 followers by December 2025. She was a certified nutritionist, advocating for a “chemical-free” diet as a cornerstone of her philosophy.

When Did Wellness Influencer Stacey Hatfield Die?

Stacey passed away on September 29, 2025, due to complications following a “freebirth” at her Melbourne home.

How Did Wellness Influencer Stacey Hatfield Die?

During proceedings on December 10, 2025, lawyer Rachel Ellyard informed the Victorian Coroners Court that Stacey appeared to have died from a postpartum hemorrhage, as reported by Australia’s 9News.

Stacey was allegedly assisted during her “freebirth” by her husband, Nathan, and an unregulated doula, Emily Lal, at their home in Melbourne. After giving birth to their son, Axel, Stacey’s health deteriorated rapidly, and paramedics were called around 4:30 a.m. local time.

Ellyard stated in court that paramedics found Stacey in critical condition, her skin yellowed and struggling to breathe when they arrived.

She was transported to Frankston Hospital, where medical staff undertook several procedures, including an emergency hysterectomy, in an effort to save her life. Reports indicate that the hospital exhausted its entire supply of her blood type during the attempt.

The Herald Sun reported that Stacey suffered multiple cardiac arrests prior to her passing.

What Happened After Wellness Influencer Stacey Hatfield’s Death?

Just two days after Nathan announced his wife’s passing, the Coroners Court in Australia confirmed to Us Weekly on October 21, 2025, that Stacey’s death was “currently under investigation.”

A hearing held at the Victorian Coroners Court in Melbourne on December 10, 2025, revealed new insights into the circumstances of Stacey’s death, as 9News reported.

During the hearing, lawyer Ellyard discussed how Stacey’s pregnancy approach was heavily influenced by her apprehension regarding Australia’s COVID-19 mandates. Allegedly, Stacey declined all healthcare throughout her pregnancy, even canceling ultrasound appointments, and refused to consult with a midwife or obstetrician.

Following Stacey’s death, Nathan provided a statement to authorities, whereas Lal declined to do so. By the time police visited the couple’s home the following day, it had reportedly been thoroughly cleaned by Lal.

In October 2025, Victoria’s Health Complaints Commissioner announced on its website that it was investigating Lal “based on information received alleging that Ms. Lal is facilitating and/or participating in home births that may jeopardize the safety of mothers and infants.” Lal, who describes herself on social media as “The Authentic Birthkeeper,” has been temporarily barred from providing healthcare while investigations into Stacey’s death continue.

“The public is encouraged not to engage with Ms. Lal regarding general health services, and anyone with concerns about this matter or any health services is urged to contact the Health Complaints Commissioner,” the commission warned.

The next hearing is scheduled to take place at the Victorian Coroners Court in March 2026, with investigators planning to seek an interview with Lal beforehand.

What Has Wellness Influencer Stacey Hatfield’s Husband Nathan Warnecke Said About Her Death?

Nathan announced via Instagram on October 19, 2025, that Stacey had passed away nearly three weeks prior from “an unforeseen and extremely rare complication” post-delivery of their son, Axel.

“The hospital staff were exceptional and did everything possible, but ultimately, nothing could be done despite their best efforts,” Nathan expressed.

He remembered his late wife as his “soul mate and best friend.”

“Having known Stace for 9 incredible years, she was the light of my life and my motivation each day,” Nathan reflected. “No words can adequately capture the heartbreak for me and all those who loved her. She was my guiding light, and the world feels dimmer without her.”

He continued, “As her husband, I couldn’t have asked for a better partner. She was the most beautiful, loving, hardworking, and trustworthy individual I’ve ever known. She shaped me into the man I am today, and everything I have in life is thanks to her.”

Nathan noted that his only comfort from Stacey’s passing was knowing she was “the happiest [he’d] ever seen her” after giving birth to Axel.

“Her memory will live on in those who knew her as the delightful, green-eyed, blonde girl whose smile could illuminate any room,” Nathan concluded.

How Did Wellness Influencer Stacey Hatfield’s Family React to Her Death?

Nathan’s uncle, Jon Downie, initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses, baby supplies, household bills, and Nathan’s time away from work as a surveyor. By December 2025, the campaign had raised over $87,000, nearing its goal of $90,000.

“Nathan is not one to ask for help, but he will need support. With love and encouragement, we believe he will be an exceptional father to Axel,” the GoFundMe statement read. “The financial challenges ahead for Nathan are considerable. He will not be returning to work as planned in the near future.”

The Natural Spoonfuls Instagram account urged its followers to contribute to the fund on October 19.

“Nathan was Stacey’s pillar,” the post stated. “He is now navigating parenthood alone with Axel, their precious son who embodies Stacey’s spirit. Axel is surrounded by love, and we aim to ensure Nathan has the time and resources to grieve, heal, and raise his son in the way Stacey envisioned.”

The statement from Natural Spoonfuls concluded, “Stacey and Nathan led a quiet, love-filled life. They would never have sought assistance. So, I’m reaching out on their behalf. Nathan is stepping into fatherhood with remarkable strength and grace. He has a lot to manage right now, and any support through this GoFundMe created by his uncle would mean the world.”