A Queens family is in mourning and demanding accountability after the sudden death of Tanisha Evans, a 24-year-old first-time mother who passed away just two weeks after delivering twin boys via C-section.
Now, as her loved ones raise her newborns in her absence, the push for legislative change is gaining momentum.
As reported by CBS News New York, Evans gave birth to her sons, Angel and Liam, in January at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway.
After being discharged, she spent the first 14 days of her sons’ lives at home. On Day 15, however, Evans was found unresponsive in her bed. She was rushed back to the hospital where she later died.
The family suspects her death was related to complications from the cesarean section.
“It hurts because she should be here doing this,” said Lynette Williams, Evans’ mother, who is now raising the twin boys. “I just want my daughter. You’re my best friend,” she said tearfully, cradling the infants.
Despite repeated attempts to seek answers, the family claims they have not received any explanation from the hospital regarding Evans’ cause of death.
The case has spotlighted what many consider a troubling gap in maternal healthcare, particularly for Black women, who statistically face higher risks of complications during childbirth.
Advocates are pointing to Evans’ death as another reason for the Grieving Families Act—a proposed New York law that would expand wrongful death claims and allow families to receive compensation for emotional suffering and loss.
“Nobody should be sending their child, their daughter, their cousin, their niece to a hospital thinking it’s safe—and they’re not coming back home,” said Williams in her interview with CBS News New York.
As the city contemplates reforms and the state legislature weighs the passage of the Grieving Families Act, the family of Tanisha Evans continues to fight for justice—hoping that no other family will have to experience the same heartbreak.
