A diabetic woman has died of food poisoning while touring Mexico with her sister in the latest of a string of food and drink related tourist deaths in the country.
Alexandra Noghaven, 26, who lived in Miami, Florida, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 9-years-old. She planned to travel the world and take everything in before losing her eyesight, which she was told she would lose within 10 years, The Miami Herald reported.
“She spent her free time off traveling the world and seeing what would be lost to her,” Noghaven’s mother, Anne Jackaway, told the newspaper.
Jackaway received a call on Aug. 16 from the U.S. Embassy telling her that her daughter had died. On the day, Noghaven was meant to be going to an archeological museum with her sister, Genevieve “Jonvi” Del Sol. Jackaway thinks the food poisoning most likely triggered diabetic complications that fatally affected Noghaven.
“That probably sent her blood sugars out of whack so she didn’t realize her vulnerability falling asleep,” Jackaway told The Miami Herald.
While the heartbroken mother would have hoped for a longer future to spend with her daughter, she said she appreciated the years she’d had with her.
“I almost lost her at 9 when she was diagnosed,” Jackaway told The Miami Herald. “I had another 15 years with the most incredible intellect and compassionate heart I have ever known.”
Before her death, Noghaven had worked at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington D.C. and was a co-founder of Rüf Reads, a literary event series.
Sister Del Sol posted a touching tribute on Facebook with accompanying photos.
“As a few of you know, my sister Alexandra Eva Marie Noghaven passed away late last night early this morning due to diabetic complications in Mexico City. I still can’t believe this has happened to the most badass woman I know. She is a friend to all and a shoulder to lean on. She’s always going to be with us in our hearts and memories. …. I love you Alex. I miss you already,” the post reads.
In the comments, people offered their thoughts and prayers for the young woman and gave their support to the heartbroken family.
A Facebook Group was created to celebrate Noghaven’s life.
In a subsequent Facebook post, Del Sol announced that anyone is welcome to attend public funeral events her family has arranged. Del Sol announced that there will a funeral viewing of Noghaven on Friday, Aug. 25 between 6-8 pm at Stanfill Funeral Home.
The next day on Saturday there will also be a service in Coconut Groove at Plymouth Congregational Church at 12 noon. Followed by a celebration of her life.
