Ellie Hardwick, 18, of Chelmsford, died after a December 29, 2025 seizure that led to cardiac arrest; medics later classified her death as SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy). Ellie had been diagnosed with epilepsy at age 5 and usually experienced subtle warning signs before seizures, but this episode came without warning. Her family held a funeral on April 23 and launched a fundraiser for Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, the Epilepsy Society and SUDEP Action to raise awareness and support research.
Teen With Epilepsy Dies After Seizure Triggers Cardiac Arrest; Family Raises SUDEP Awareness
Ellen May HardwickCredit: Courtesy of James Hardwick / SWNS
Ellen May “Ellie” Hardwick, an 18-year-old college student from Chelmsford, England, has died after a seizure on December 29, 2025, triggered cardiac arrest. Her family and medical staff later described the death as SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy), a rare but catastrophic outcome that can follow seizures.
Ellen May HardwickCredit: Courtesy of James Hardwick / SWNS
Background
Ellie was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 5 and, over the years, learned to recognise subtle pre-seizure signals—visual flashing or things "looking different"—that typically gave her time to warn others and settle into a safe position. As she grew older, the seizures became less frequent, and after more than a year without an episode she was planning to take driving lessons and reduce some medications.
Ellen May Hardwick with parents Paula and James HardwickCredit: Courtesy of James Hardwick / SWNS
The Final Seizure
On the evening of December 29, Ellie was speaking on the phone with her 19-year-old boyfriend, Aidan, when she said she didn’t feel well and the call ended. About two hours later her father, James Hardwick, was told she was not breathing. According to the family, this seizure came with "no warning," a departure from her usual pre-seizure signs. Paramedics performed CPR but Ellie suffered cardiac arrest and died shortly afterward.
James Hardwick with daughter Ellen May HardwickCredit: Courtesy of James Hardwick / SWNS
“I couldn't believe it, she was just gone — just like that — we had no idea she could die just like that,” said her father, James. “I don't want to scare people, but I need people to know that this can and does happen.”
About SUDEP
SUDEP refers to the sudden, unexpected death of a person with epilepsy who was otherwise in good health. Though uncommon, seizures may cause fatal disruptions by affecting the brain mechanisms that control breathing and heart rate or by placing extreme stress on the heart during an episode. Medical professionals and sources such as journals from the American Heart Association have discussed these mechanisms.
Family Response And Fundraising
Ellie's family held her funeral on April 23. To honour her memory and to promote research and awareness about epilepsy and SUDEP, her parents—James and Paula Hardwick—have launched a fundraiser benefiting Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, the Epilepsy Society, and SUDEP Action.
“I don't want Ellie's name to be lost in the past. I want it to be carried forward,” James said, explaining why the family hopes the fundraiser will both help others and raise awareness about risks linked to epilepsy.
If you or someone you love has epilepsy, clinicians recommend regular medical follow-up, adherence to prescribed treatments, and conversations with healthcare providers about SUDEP and seizure safety plans.
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