Gold Coast influencer Hannah Orval and her partner, rising American football player Patrick Murtagh, have shared the tragic news that their baby boy was stillborn.
The couple confirmed the loss on social media on Saturday, posting monochrome photos of them holding their son.
‘Meelo Michael Murtagh, born into this big world early and sleeping. He will forever be the biggest missing piece of the rest of our story,’ Orval said.
‘To be a family for even just a day was irreplaceable. Childbirth, I would do it over again every day in every lifetime to meet him.
‘We are absolutely devastated, but [he is] forever our biggest achievement in life.’
The swimwear entrepreneur, 27, received messages of support from family members, including her father Mark, the social media personality known as Angry Dad and a former AFL player.
‘Meelo Michael Murtagh, forever in Poppie’s heart. I am appreciative for the short time I got to show my love to him and I know he will be in heaven being loved right now, waiting for us all to reunite one day,’ he said in a comment to his daughter.
‘Pat and Hannah, your strength throughout this has been so incredible. I am so proud of you both. You are beautiful humans.’
Gold Coast influencer Hannah Orval and her partner, rising American football star Patrick Murtagh, have shared the tragic news that their baby was stillborn
The couple have been together since late 2023 and went public with their relationship in 2024
Pictured, Murtagh with baby Meelo Michael Murtagh
Sharon Orval, Hannah’s mother and chief executive of a health supplement company, also posted a message of support to her daughter.
‘In God’s place, to be protected and loved by his big sister, grandfather and all his family until we are reunited one day,’ she said.
‘We will never forget you, little man. Holding and kissing you was both the happiest and saddest moment of my life.
‘Patrick’s care for you, Hannah, was something that made us all so proud and grateful. You are incredible together. We love you both so much. Our little grandson will be in our hearts forever.’
The couple also received comments from hundreds of friends, including AFL stars Nick Daicos, Oleg Markov and Sam Draper, as well as influencers Mia Fevola, Annalise Dalins and Casey Battle.
Orval, who is the sister of controversial YouTuber Mitchell Orval, went public with her romance with Murtagh, 26, in September 2024.
They reportedly started dating a year before they shared photographs together on social media.
In a TikTok post, Ms Orval wrote: ‘Nothing will ever beat the feeling of trying on my boyfriend’s first jersey.’
Murtagh hails from Queensland and made the move to the US in 2024 as part of the NFL’s International Pathway Program.
Before making his mark in American football, Murtagh spent three years playing AFL for the Gold Coast Suns.
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