Margaret Wise Brown, the prolific author best known for classic children's books like Goodnight Moon, passed away suddenly at the age of 42 due to a fatal blood clot that dislodged while she was recovering from emergency surgery in France.
Circumstances of Her Sudden Death
Brown was recuperating from an emergency appendectomy in France when the tragic incident occurred. In a moment described as characteristic of her energetic and spirited nature, she playfully kicked up her leg to demonstrate to her doctors how much better she was feeling post-surgery.
The Immediate Cause
This seemingly innocent gesture inadvertently loosened a blood clot, which had likely formed during her recovery. The dislodged clot traveled quickly, leading to her death almost instantly. Her sudden passing at a relatively young age shocked many and brought an abrupt end to the life of a beloved and innovative writer.