Josephine, a vibrant 18-year-old, was found dead in her family's pool shortly after celebrating her birthday. Her sudden death, suspected to be caused by cardiac arrest, has left her family and community in shock. As they await further medical insights, her family has opened their home to mourners, sharing memories of Josephine's kind spirit and dreams of becoming a truck driver. The tragedy has sparked discussions about potential causes, including stress and energy drink consumption.
Tragic Loss: 18-Year-Old Josephine Found Dead in Family Pool
Tragic Loss: 18-Year-Old Josephine Found Dead in Family Pool
Josephine had just turned 18 and celebrated with drinks at Pinchos. A week later, she was found dead in the pool. "It's impossible to understand how a girl full of energy suddenly suffers cardiac arrest," says her mother, Lene.
On the afternoon of July 3, Lene Lagmannssveen, 46, stopped by the red villa in Landvetter. She had worked all morning and was about to drive her son Tobias, 14, for a TBE vaccine.
She hurried up the yard when she saw her daughter Josephine, 18, lying face down in the pool.
At first, she thought it was a joke and threw a yogurt cup at her daughter.
"At first, I was a bit angry when she didn't turn around when I threw the yogurt cup at her, but then when I saw she was unconscious, I panicked," says Lene Lagmannssveen, who also recounted the incident to GP.
"Refused to Let Go of Her Hand"
She saw her daughter's headphones at the bottom of the pool and realized something had happened. She tried to pull Josephine out but couldn't because the body was very slippery.
She called for Josephine's younger brother Tobias, 14. Together, they managed to get her out of the water and began CPR.
Josephine was taken to Sahlgrenska Hospital. Her father Michael Högberg, 53, traveled down from Knivsta, where he was, and the entire family gathered at the hospital.
They already knew by Thursday that it was serious. Doctors said it looked grim and that the brain had suffered too much damage.
"I don't remember much. I sat with her the whole time and held her hand. They more or less had to drag me out. I refused to let go of her hand, I wanted to take her home," says Lene, crying.
On Friday, Josephine was declared dead.
Awaiting Answers
The initial autopsy suggests sudden cardiac arrest. There was neither water in the lungs, substances in the blood, nor signs of physical violence.
The question is why a perfectly healthy 18-year-old's heart suddenly stops.
"It's impossible to understand how a girl who was full of energy, very happy, lively, and cheerful one day, suddenly suffers cardiac arrest the next."
Now the family is waiting for answers.
"Many speculate online that it's due to the COVID vaccine, but that's completely wrong. It could be a combination of factors; Josephine was incredibly stressed over the past four years and also overconsumed energy drinks," says Lene.
Only in three to five months will they get more information when the samples taken have been deeply analyzed.
Dreamed of Becoming a Truck Driver
Josephine had turned 18 the week before she died, celebrated with drinks at Pinchos.
She was a lively girl whom her mother describes as a "ray of sunshine." After high school, she wanted to become a truck driver and take over the family haulage business.
She and her best friend Hilda also dreamed of going on a road trip together.
"She had the biggest heart in the world, was incredibly kind and caring. She was liked by so many."
Since the age of five, Josephine had been involved in figure skating.
She won a Swedish Championship silver in team skating but had to quit when the ligament in her foot tore. Instead, she continued as a coach for children in the skating school and often hung out at the ice rink.
"It was her everything, it was where she thrived. She saw all the children and picked up those who needed extra support," says Lene.
Opened the Door for Mourners
Lene and Michael have chosen to leave the front door open—literally—for everyone who wants to come and mourn with them.
"We decided to open the doors. We didn't want rumors to spread about what happened without people talking directly to us."
And people have streamed in. Many have also called and sent messages.
"We are completely speechless. Last Saturday, I cooked for the first time because people have been bringing food boxes all the time. I feel so warm in my heart from all the care we've received."
"Don't Want to Move On"
It's been almost three weeks since the death. Younger brother Tobias loves floorball and has devoted himself to the sport a lot in recent weeks. His coach, who was actually on vacation, started two training sessions for his sake.
Tobias doesn't say much but has expressed a desire to travel away. So, over the weekend, the family went to Lindvallen, where you can ride mountain bikes in the forest.
"You take it day by day. Sometimes we break down. At the same time, you have to deal with everyday things like laundry and cooking," says Lene.
When she thinks about it, she doesn't really want to move on.
"In a way, you don't want to move on. No matter what I do, I feel guilty for doing something that Josephine doesn't get the chance to do," says Lene.
The funeral takes place on August 1.