Virginia Mom Killed by ‘Contaminated Ice’ During Mission Trip

A Virginia mother of four who traveled to Kenya on a church mission trip to help orphaned children has died after contracting a severe Salmonella infection that her family says came from contaminated ice.

Ayla Garcia, 36, left for Kenya on July 1 with her church and family to support Zion Family, a home for orphaned children. What began as a meaningful overseas mission soon turned into a nightmare when Garcia suddenly became seriously ill and was admitted to an intensive care unit.

Her family said Garcia contracted Salmonella after consuming contaminated ice during the trip. The infection quickly became dangerous, spreading to her kidneys, liver and bloodstream. Her condition was made even more complicated because she had sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder that can cause severe pain, anemia, infections and other serious health problems.

As Garcia’s health worsened, she required multiple blood transfusions because of low hemoglobin levels. She also developed jaundice and needed dialysis as doctors worked to support her failing kidneys.

On July 19, Garcia shared a heartbreaking video from her hospital bed in Kenya, telling followers she was still trying to make it home.

“Yes, I’m still in Kenya and I’m trying to make it home,” she said in the video, appearing to struggle as she spoke.

Just days earlier, Garcia had been posting joyful moments from the trip, including highlights from her time in Kenya and encounters with wildlife. But behind the scenes, her health had taken a frightening turn.

In a July 22 update on a GoFundMe created to help with her medical and funeral expenses, Garcia’s family said she was showing signs of progress but was “still not in the clear to be discharged from the hospital.”

“The work continues to improve the functioning of her kidneys,” the family wrote. “The oxygen support has been removed, and she’s been breathing on her own.”

But two days later, the family shared the devastating news that Garcia had died.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share our beloved daughter, sister, mother, aunt, cousin, niece, friend Ayla, has passed,” the family wrote on July 24. “Her fight against sickle cell was hard fought.”

In another update on July 25, the family said they were working to bring Garcia’s remains back home and planning a memorial service “so we can gather and send her to rest in peace.”

Garcia’s mother, Patricia, told WWBT that the speed of her daughter’s decline was terrifying.

“It was surprising and very concerning that this thing had taken over so much that they had to put her in ICU,” she said.

Friends are now remembering Garcia as a deeply loved mother, supporter and woman of faith whose sudden death has left those around her stunned.

Zion Njeri, a close friend, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, writing, “There are some goodbyes that leave you speechless, and this is one of them.”

“Ayla Garcia, I still can’t believe you’re gone,” Njeri wrote. “You were more than a friend you were my sister, my biggest supporter, and one of the greatest blessings God placed in my life.”

Njeri said she was with Garcia in the hospital and watched her fight through the illness with remarkable strength.

“We had so many plans for when you got better,” she wrote. “We talked about the future, laughed together, and believed there were brighter days ahead. But God, in His wisdom, had different plans.”

Garcia leaves behind four children and a grieving family now facing the painful task of bringing her home after a mission trip meant to serve others ended in tragedy.