Melissa Mae Carlton shares genetic condition linked to daughter Molly’s tragic passing

Melissa Mae Carlton revealed that her late daughter Molly, who died suddenly at age 5 in December 2025, has now been diagnosed with a rare genetic condition known as PPA2, a mitochondrial disorder linked to sudden cardiac events in otherwise healthy children.

Carlton, who shares her life with more than 150,000 followers on Instagram, posted a video on Thursday, April 23, explaining that the diagnosis came four months after Molly’s passing. 

She said the family had long suspected the condition, especially given similar concerns surrounding her older daughter Abigail.

Abigail, 9, died in April 2024 from sepsis. Carlton said the family now believes she may have also had the same underlying genetic disorder.

In her update, Carlton credited the SUDC Foundation, which supports families affected by Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood, for helping push for posthumous testing that ultimately led to the diagnosis. 

She said her family is now undergoing further genetic testing.

“They're also conducting cutting-edge research right now,” she said, encouraging support for the organization. “These families really need and deserve answers.”

Carlton also reflected on the emotional impact of sharing her story publicly, describing both support and criticism she has received online.

“I’ve seen the best side of it, people rallying around us and trying to help us,” she said, while also acknowledging what she called the “dark side of social media.”

Despite the grief, she expressed gratitude for the messages of support and said she hopes to continue raising awareness about PPA2 and SUDC.

In addition to Abigail and Molly, Carlton and her husband Tom also share two surviving children, Lily and Harry.