Entertainment

Erik Karlsson's Stillborn Son Sparks Inappropriate Vaccination Debate

EntertainmentPublished Mar 22, 2018
By Tanvier Peart
Erik Karlsson and Melinda Karlssonerikkarlsson65/Instagram

The thought of someone losing a child during pregnancy is a crippling idea you pray never happens to anyone. Sadly, miscarriage and stillbirth are realities for families that can leave you speechless, looking for the right words to say. But one thing you probably shouldn't do is spark a debate about vaccinations while someone is mourning the loss of a child. News of Erik and Melinda Karlsson's child loss is absolutely heartbreaking, and sadly, someone thought it was an appropriate time to question whether vaccinations were the cause of their son's stillbirth.

The NHL player and his wife announced their pregnancy on Instagram last November in the sweetest way.-placeholder
The NHL player and his wife announced their pregnancy on Instagram last November in the sweetest way.
erikkarlsson65/Instagram

The NHL player and his wife announced their pregnancy on Instagram last November in the sweetest way.

"The most exciting news we have ever received arrived earlier this year," the Ottawa Senators star wrote in his Instagram post. "Can't wait to meet you." Erik and Melinda's news came after the couple tied the knot back in August.

The couple documented their journey online -- including their sweet gender reveal.

They did have an adorable gender reveal.

Sadly, things took a turn for the unexpected (and tragic) as baby Axel, Erik and Melinda's son, died one month before his due date.-placeholder
Sadly, things took a turn for the unexpected (and tragic) as baby Axel, Erik and Melinda's son, died one month before his due date.
erikkarlsson65/Instagram

Sadly, things took a turn for the unexpected (and tragic) as baby Axel, Erik and Melinda's son, died one month before his due date.

"At this extremely difficult time it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel but we know one day we'll get there," Karlsson revealed in a recent Instagram post, addressing their heartbreaking news

"We would like to thank everyone for the love and support we have received and also for respecting our privacy and the process we need to go through now. We feel very lucky to be Axel's parents. Even though he was stillborn, we know we will hold him again one day under different circumstances and the joy he gave us will be with us forever."

There's been nothing but love showered over this couple since they shared their gut-wrenching news.-placeholder
There's been nothing but love showered over this couple since they shared their gut-wrenching news.

There's been nothing but love showered over this couple since they shared their gut-wrenching news.

Though questions about what possibly could've happened are expected ...-placeholder
Though questions about what possibly could've happened are expected ...

Though questions about what possibly could've happened are expected ...

(It's natural to have questions after a tragedy ... but it's probably best to keep them to yourself.)

... questions about whether Melinda's vaccinations might've caused her son's death probably aren't needed at this exact moment.-placeholder
... questions about whether Melinda's vaccinations might've caused her son's death probably aren't needed at this exact moment.

... questions about whether Melinda's vaccinations might've caused her son's death probably aren't needed at this exact moment.

Know that saying "now is not the time"? Yup, it's relevant here.

Needless to say, folks had some kind of feeling about someone making such an inquiry ...-placeholder
Needless to say, folks had some kind of feeling about someone making such an inquiry ...

Needless to say, folks had some kind of feeling about someone making such an inquiry ...

img-of-media-slide-224094-placeholder
img-of-media-slide-224094

... sparking an unnecessary debate.-placeholder
... sparking an unnecessary debate.

... sparking an unnecessary debate.

Awkward doesn't describe how off the timing of this is.

While there's nothing wrong with such a discussion, you gotta admit the timing is a bit "inappropriate."-placeholder
While there's nothing wrong with such a discussion, you gotta admit the timing is a bit "inappropriate."

While there's nothing wrong with such a discussion, you gotta admit the timing is a bit "inappropriate."

Another thing that's inappropriate: unnecessary accusations about Erik's wife "popping painkiller medication" after such a loss. (Yes, REALLY.)-placeholder
Another thing that's inappropriate: unnecessary accusations about Erik's wife "popping painkiller medication" after such a loss. (Yes, REALLY.)
erikkarlsson65/Instagram

Another thing that's inappropriate: unnecessary accusations about Erik's wife "popping painkiller medication" after such a loss. (Yes, REALLY.)

It's so shameful Erik Karlsson needed to clap back at a troll who thought this was actually okay ...

If anything, the main focus should be on Erik and Melinda having the space to grieve *without* consipiracy theories.-placeholder
If anything, the main focus should be on Erik and Melinda having the space to grieve *without* consipiracy theories.
erikkarlsson65/Instagram

If anything, the main focus should be on Erik and Melinda having the space to grieve *without* consipiracy theories.

Our sincerest thoughts are with your family.

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