Kalei Mau shares powerful story of near-fatal illness and loss of infant daughter

New England Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai and his partner, Kalei Mau, are grieving following the death of their infant daughter.

"This isn't how I planned to reveal my second pregnancy, but I was six months pregnant with another beautiful baby girl," Mau posted on Instagram on Thursday, December 11, alongside a picture of Tavai, 29, and their first daughter, Honua, 13 months old.

"We anticipated welcoming her into our family in March 2026," her caption stated further, including pictures of Mau's pregnant belly and her lying in a hospital bed. "However, I contracted an exceptionally rare blood infection, and on November 20, I was put into a medically induced coma after being discovered unresponsive in my bed. I remained unconscious for six days."

Mau explained that their infant "passed away in utero" due to organ failure and illness "infecting" her placenta. Hours later, her body began "natural labor," and Mau delivered the baby while "unconscious."

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa and Annah Gore Relationship Timeline

Mau stated she regained consciousness "through God's grace and the strength of prayer." She disclosed that they named the baby Ka ua, noting that the name translates to "The Rain" in the Hawaiian language.

"The day after I was discharged from the hospital, I had the opportunity to kiss my daughter for the first and final time," Mau went on to say. "She looked perfect to me, and it was incredibly difficult to part with her. But as I walked outside, it began to rain, and it brought me comfort knowing she will remain with me always."

Mau also shared a picture of the baby's footprints, along with videos showing support from family, friends, and hospital staff.

"GOD IS TRUTH AND I AM HIS LIVING PROOF," Mau's post stated in the caption. "I am profoundly thankful for my life, and my purpose has become clearer than ever before. I've been to heaven and returned to extend my love for my family a little longer and to live for God and my baby angel Ka ua Tavai."

"Thank you for all the prayers and Aloha," she added. "Thank you to the outstanding doctors and caring nurses at Mass General Hospital who helped save my life. Thank you to my New England Patriots family for supporting us in every way possible; this is a special team I am honored to be part of. Thank you to my Ohana for remaining hopeful, maintaining faith, being strong for me, and never leaving my side. I love you all so very much. I am now home healing and still processing, but with a heart full of gratitude. God bless and Aloha always."

Mau's followers filled the comments section of the post with an outpouring of support and affection.

Musician Payton Sullivan commented, "God is so good. Your testimony holds immense power; sending love to you and your family."

A second person wrote, "Your devotion to God shines so brightly. We are amazed by your resilience. Your beautiful angel baby Ka Ua will forever be with you, loving, protecting, and guiding you. Sending positive healing energy, beautiful."

A third person commented, "Kalei, I cannot comprehend what you have endured, but thank God for being present with you. I continue to pray for your recovery and peace, and for God to surround you and your Ohana with his heavenly angels and solace."

Tavai joined the New England Patriots roster in 2021. Before that, he played for the Detroit Lions from 2019 to 2020. Mau shared details of her initial pregnancy and motherhood experience on Instagram after announcing daughter Honua's birth in November 2024, describing it as the "most special day of my life."

"I have never experienced a love so profound and genuine. I am still processing the beauty and blessing of existence. Mahalo Ke Akua!" she wrote on Instagram then.