A Belmont University student died after a heart procedure over the weekend, according to an announcement by the school.
Junior Kayley Tigges underwent heart surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center before dying on Saturday morning. The 21-year-old was born with a disease called Loeys-Dietz syndrome.
The issue sometimes prevents a person from ever walking, but Tigges said that she was able to walk without falling at a young age because of a pediatric orthopedic specialist who believed in her. She began studying ballet at the age of three, according to her writing.
“As I confidently walked back and forth for the very first time, I watched teardrops form in his eyes. I had no idea how good of a day that was.”
Kayley Tigges
Tigges’ illness was compounded when she was diagnosed with a severe heart ailment at the age of nine, and she underwent her first heart surgery shortly thereafter.
After a young life full of health issues, some caused by Loeys-Dietz and others unrelated, she persevered and enrolled at Belmont University, where she double majored in psychological science and songwriting.
The Belmont Vision said that she was also involved on campus as a Bruin Recruiter and Campus Security student volunteer. According to the Vision, Tigges’ friends will remember her for “her zest for life and kindness towards others.”
Tigges leaves behind a twin brother, Isaac, whom she jokingly blamed for her condition because he was probably kicking her in the womb.
