A 28-year-old woman has tragically died after being kicked in the head by a crowd surfer at a music festival, an incident that led to the discovery of hidden blood clots in her brain. Danielle Uskiwich, a secretary at St. Charles High School in Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, ten days after the freak accident at Pointfest on May 16.
Headache before the festival
According to her family, Uskiwich had been experiencing headaches in the days leading up to the outdoor music festival in the St. Louis area. Despite the pain, she was determined not to let it prevent her from attending. While watching the band Sleep Theory perform, she was accidentally kicked in the head by a crowd surfer.
Rapid deterioration
Her condition worsened over the following days. She visited an urgent care clinic, and less than 48 hours later, she was admitted to the emergency room. Medical scans revealed a brain bleed, and she suffered her first stroke shortly after being admitted. A second stroke followed, and during surgery, doctors discovered additional hidden blood clots in her brain.
Despite surgical intervention, Uskiwich was placed in intensive care but never regained consciousness. Her family made the difficult decision to donate her organs, a choice that has brought some comfort. Her cousin, Kristin Shelton, told KSDK: "It was just a freak accident, but as a family, we see it as a blessing in disguise. If she hadn't been injured, she might have been driving or alone when the stroke hit."
A beloved community figure
Uskiwich was deeply loved in her community. She worked as a secretary at St. Charles High School and previously at Hardin Middle School, where she was remembered for building relationships with students, parents, and staff. Hardin Middle School said in a statement: "She was a kind face who greeted our visitors and worked with students on their attendance."
Recently engaged to her fiancé, Jason, the couple had been planning their future together with their dog, Shohei. A GoFundMe campaign to cover medical and funeral expenses has raised nearly $30,000, with a goal of $40,000. The fundraiser describes her as someone who brought "love, laughter, and energy to the people around her."
Her family finds solace in knowing her organ donation may save lives. Shelton reflected: "I thought about the people receiving that phone call, that their lives are about to change because of a donation from somebody."
