CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The cause of death for a woman from Indiana who died from a "medical emergency" on a flight from the Dominican Republic was natural causes.
Stefanie Smith died from carotid artery dissection, according to her brother.
Maria Yannotti said she and Smith, her friend, went on a couples trip to the Dominican Republic at the end of February.
They were there to celebrate a birthday.
"We had a very good time," said Yannotti in a previous interview with 13News. "Then, on the way home, something tragic just happened."
Smith and her boyfriend left Punta Cana to catch their connecting flight in Charlotte. The 41-year-old Danville woman was headed to the Indianapolis International Airport when her boyfriend realized something was wrong.
"He said he looked over to her, her eyes were rolled into the back of her head," Yannotti said. "Then, she began convulsing."
A flight attendant tried to help, but CPR didn't save her. The plane had to make a medical emergency diversion and land in Turks and Caicos.
Smith was pronounced dead at the hospital there. Her body is still in Turks and Caicos, and her family hopes to bring her back early next week.
Smith's brother, Chris Volz, previously told 13News he just misses his sister.
"She was very just someone who always was caring and really cared about other people. Sometimes she put it above herself, and everybody knows that," Volz said. "That's why the outpouring of support from family and friends has been so great. This community has been unbelievable."
They say Smith lived life to the fullest. In her final days, she was doing what she loved — traveling.
"You never know when it's going to be your time to go," Yonnetti said. "Live your life like it’s your last."