Patriots LB Jahlani Tavai, partner share news of tragic loss of unborn daughter

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Kalei Mau, the partner of Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai, shared on social media Wednesday that the couple were mourning the loss of their unborn daughter, Ka ua.

In an Instagram post, Mau revealed that she developed a rare blood infection last month and placed into a medically induced coma after being found unresponsive in bed. What Mau was dealing with was also affecting the baby, who passed away.

“I got an extremely rare blood infection. On November 20, I was placed in a medically induced coma after I was found unresponsive in my bed. I was asleep for six days. Unfortunately, with my organs failing and the sickness infecting my placenta, our baby passed away in my womb.

“Hours later, my body went into natural labor and Jahlani watched me deliver our baby unconscious. He said it was like my body just knew what to do.

“Her name is Ka ua, which means ‘The Rain’ in Olelo O Hawai’i. And with Ka ua, everything grows. By the grace of God and the power of prayer, I woke up and it was clear what I had to continue to live for. Thank you, Jesus.

“The day after I got out of the hospital, I got to kiss my daughter for the first and last time. She was perfect to me. It was so hard to leave her. But when I walked outside it started to rain and it brought me joy to know she’ll always be with me.”

Tavai was not with the Patriots for their Nov. 23 game in Cincinnati against the Bengals. The reason for his absence was labeled as a personal matter.

Despite not being with the team, Tavai's teammates did not forget about him during their 26-20 win. Following Hunter Henry's second quarter touchdown, the tight end dedicated the score to Tavai.

The Patriots also showed their support by FaceTiming Tavai after the game.

“We just wanted him to know how much we love him, how much we care for him, and how much we care for everything he’s got going on. We’re brothers,” Henry said.

When Tavai returned to the Patriots for their Dec. 1 game against the New York Giants, head coach Mike Vrabel made Tavai a captain and the linebacker leader later broke down the team huddle following their 33-15 win.

“These guys have built a bond that I want to try to just help nurture and help grow throughout the team,” Vrabel said. “Jahlani is somebody like that. You see everybody reaching out and caring for each other, not just him. But it was great to see him out there, play defense, help us on special teams. He made some plays and contributed to us winning.”