Amy Dowden Pays Tribute to Friend Who Died After Giving Birth

Professional dancer Amy Dowden shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram Sunday to her close friend Bex, who died from a blood clot on the brain one day after giving birth to a baby boy.

Dowden learned of the tragedy on Friday when Bex's mother, Anne, called to inform her of the clot. In a carousel of photos spanning years of friendship, Dowden wrote, "I still can't quite find the words or make sense of it. How something like this can happen to someone so fit, so healthy, so kind... a truly good soul." She described Bex as "the kindest person, always putting others before herself," noting that even in death, Bex became an organ donor. Bex left behind her newborn son, a three-year-old daughter and partner Sean.

Dowden recounted cherished memories, including shared Blackpool roommates during dance events, giggly sleepovers, excitement on Dowden's hen do upon learning Bex was pregnant, and calming her nerves before Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals. Bex made an eight-hour round trip to visit during Dowden's chemotherapy, attended hospital appointments and prioritized her friend's well-being over her own dancing at Blackpool, according to Dowden's sister. "That was you. Always...