Virginia mother of four dies after contracting Salmonella during Kenya mission trip

Ayla Garcia’s family says contaminated ice led to the infection, which became life-threatening because of complications from sickle cell disease.

A Virginia mother of four who traveled to Kenya on a church mission trip has died after contracting a severe Salmonella infection that her family says was linked to contaminated ice. Her loved ones say the illness became life-threatening because of complications from sickle cell disease.

Ayla Garcia, 36, of Virginia, was in Kenya serving orphaned children alongside her church and family. According to Garcia’s family, she traveled to Kenya on July 1 to support Zion Family, a home for orphaned children. During the trip, she contracted a Salmonella infection, which they believe came from contaminated ice. The infection quickly spread to her kidneys, liver and bloodstream.

As reported by People, Garcia’s condition was made more severe because she lived with sickle cell disease. The inherited blood disorder can increase the risk of serious infections and other health complications. Her family said she underwent multiple blood transfusions after her hemoglobin levels dropped dangerously low. She also developed jaundice and required dialysis as doctors worked to stabilize her condition.

On July 19, Ayla Garcia shared a video from her hospital bed on Instagram, telling supporters she was still in Kenya and trying to make it home.Just days later, her family reported that her kidneys were improving and she was breathing without oxygen support. However, on July 24, they announced on their GoFundMe page that Garcia had died. “It is with a heavy heart that we share our beloved daughter, sister, mother, aunt, cousin, niece and friend Ayla has passed,” her family wrote in an update on a GoFundMe page. They also said they are working to bring her remains back to the United States and plan a memorial service.

Before falling ill, Garcia documented her mission trip on social media. Her mother, Patricia Garcia, told local station WWBT that the speed of her daughter’s illness was alarming. “It was surprising and very concerning that this thing had taken over so much that they had to put her in ICU,” she said.

Friend Zion Njeri also paid tribute on Instagram, describing Garcia as “more than a friend” and recalling how she stayed by her side in the hospital. “There are some goodbyes that leave you speechless,” Njeri wrote. She said Garcia fought with “incredible strength and faith” until the end.

Ayla Garcia leaves behind her husband and four children. According to the family GoFundMe, her family continues to seek support through a fundraiser to help cover the cost of her medical expenses in Kenya and transport of the cremated remains back the Virginia.