A vibrant teenager described as “bubbly and very outgoing” tragically passed away after suddenly becoming unwell while watching a movie at a cinema. Kasey-Lei Greene, aged 13, from Sutton Coldfield, collapsed during an outing with a friend on September 4. Having relocated to Abu Dhabi with her family 14 months earlier for a fresh start, she fell ill at Vox Cinema in Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi.
Following her collapse, emergency services responded swiftly, attempting to resuscitate her for two hours both on-site and at a hospital, but she succumbed to a cardiac arrest. Kasey’s father, Marc, shared his heartbreaking experience, recalling the distressing moment when he was informed of her condition by her friend. Despite the efforts made by medical personnel, Kasey’s passing was confirmed as a cardiac arrest, with Marc acknowledging her previous health concerns.
In a poignant recollection of their last moments together before Kasey went to the cinema, Marc recounted a touching exchange where she unexpectedly embraced him, emphasizing the emotional impact of that final goodbye. The Greene family had relocated to Abu Dhabi in July 2024, with plans to move into a house they were having built. Describing Kasey as lively and sociable, her parents highlighted her love for children and her ability to connect with diverse groups of people.
Kasey’s funeral, held in the UK on October 3, drew an immense turnout, with over 600 individuals paying their respects. Her mother, Manda, faced a dual tragedy as she organized her mother’s funeral while dealing with Kasey’s sudden passing. The family paid tribute to Kasey’s memory by establishing a GoFundMe page, “Kasey’s Wells of Life,” to support the installation of water wells in Africa, a cause close to her heart.
Amid the outpouring of support and remembrance for Kasey, her family found solace in the community’s acknowledgment of her impact, emphasizing her lasting presence in their lives. As they navigate the grief of their loss, they are comforted by the strength shown by Kasey’s younger sibling, Kian, who shared a special bond with his sister. The initiative to honor Kasey’s legacy by providing clean water to communities in need reflects her compassionate spirit and desire to make a positive difference in the world.