Mira Foster: Adelaide girl, 12, dies suddenly after complaining of stomach upset and gastrointestinal symptoms

A family is in mourning after their 12-year-old daughter died suddenly 48 hours after being discharged from hospital with stomach pains.

Mira Foster died last Tuesday after being rushed to Kapenda Hospital in South Australia, just over an hour’s drive northeast of Adelaide, with what doctors diagnosed as gastroenteritis.

Commonly known as stomach bug, the illness causes vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain, usually lasting between half a day and two and a half days. In rare cases, it can cause death from dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in people with underlying health problems.

Doctors at Barossa Valley Hospital assisted the little girl for about 90 minutes before sending her home with medication.

Mila’s parents thought her condition was improving, but two days later, she died suddenly.

Dad Shannon Foster and stepmother Phoebe Kelly are still shocked by how quickly a common illness that started with a stomachache turned deadly.

“She’s a really nice girl and I’m waiting to wake up and see her,” Mr Foster told Nine News.

Now they are urging other parents not to ignore their own instincts when their children quickly become unwell.

“You don’t think a gastrointestinal bug could be fatal, especially in someone so young and so healthy,” Ms Kelly said.

“Even if the doctor says you might be paranoid, or you’re just being overly cautious, just listen to (your gut) because it’s there for a reason.”

Milla’s untimely death sparked a post-mortem inquest, with South Australia Health Minister Chris Picton promising a full investigation into what happened.

“My heartfelt sympathies go out to Milla’s family,” Mr. Pickton wrote in a statement.

“I will ensure that staff at (Kapunda) Hospital and SA Health fully cooperate with the post-mortem investigation.”

The family has since launched a GoFundMe fundraiser, which has exceeded its goal by more than $15,000, as her father released an emotional statement.

Mr Foster said: “We have been deeply affected by her death and we are contacting anyone in the community to help us with the unexpected funding issues we will face in the next week or so.”

“We miss you so much Mira and love you forever.”

Two years ago, seven-year-old Perth girl Aishwarya Aswath died of sepsis in April 2021, just hours after she attended Perth Children’s Hospital with a fever and cold hands.