Two-year-old Hudson Martin died suddenly at home after collapsing while playing, just weeks before his third birthday. Paramedics and specialist teams worked for more than an hour to save him, but his heart could not be restarted. His death has left his family devastated and searching for answers.
Hudson had been diagnosed with Kawasaki disease when he was seven months old. At first, his symptoms looked like a common childhood illness, similar to flu or a viral infection. The condition is rare and difficult to diagnose, as there is no single test and it is often identified only after other illnesses are ruled out.
Although treatment helped control the disease, it had already caused lasting damage to Hudson’s heart. He developed severe aneurysms in his coronary arteries and needed lifelong medication to reduce the risk of blood clots. Despite this, he went on to live a happy and active life, full of energy and curiosity.
Doctors have not yet confirmed what caused Hudson’s sudden collapse. Possible causes include a clot or a rupture linked to the heart damage caused by Kawasaki disease. A post-mortem examination is ongoing, but full results may take many months.
Hudson’s parents are now sharing his story to raise awareness of Kawasaki disease. They urge parents to trust their instincts if a child’s illness does not feel right and to push for further medical checks, stressing that early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.