A young girl who tragically passed away during a cinema outing in the United Arab Emirates shared a heartfelt goodbye hug with her father just moments before her untimely death.
Kasey-Lei Greene, a 13-year-old from Sutton Coldfield, had been living in Abu Dhabi with her family for over a year when the incident occurred at Vox Cinema in Yas Mall. After embracing her father Marc at home around 5:30 pm, Kasey went to watch a movie with a friend but suddenly collapsed while at the cinema. Despite efforts by doctors for two hours and subsequent transportation to a hospital, Kasey could not be revived following a suspected cardiac arrest.
Following the devastating loss, Kasey’s family, including her mother Manda and brother Kian, returned to the UK for her funeral on October 3. The funeral procession, adorned with pink and black ribbons, attracted over 600 mourners along the route from Marc’s mother’s residence in Erdington to Erdington Abbey on Sutton Road. Additionally, a large number of individuals, including Kasey’s friends and classmates in Abu Dhabi, watched a live stream of the funeral.
Marc recounted that he permitted Kasey to have a friend over for a sleepover on the day of the incident. He arranged for a taxi for the girls and received a distressing call from Kasey’s friend reporting her sudden collapse at the cinema. Despite the swift response of medical staff at the venue, Kasey could not be saved. Marc emotionally described the final poignant moment with Kasey before she left for the cinema, emphasizing her tight embrace that seemed to convey a deeper understanding of their parting.
The Greene family had relocated to Abu Dhabi in July 2024 with the intention of providing a better life for their children. They had purchased a house that was under construction for their future residence. Kasey was remembered by her parents as a vibrant and social individual who had the ability to bring people together.
In Kasey’s honor, the family initiated a fundraising endeavor named Kasey’s Wells of Life to sponsor the installation of water wells in Africa. Furthermore, a Halloween-themed charity event is being organized to raise funds for the cause, reflecting Kasey’s love for the holiday season.
Throughout their time in Abu Dhabi, Kasey faced initial challenges but eventually flourished academically, much like her younger brother Kian. Her family and friends fondly recalled her humor, kindness, and ability to connect with diverse groups of people.