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Kiara Brokenbrough—who went viral on social media in 2022 for her $500 wedding to husband Joel Brokenbrough—died while welcoming the couple’s first baby.
By Sasha Wayman Apr 27, 2026 3:12 PM | Updated 22 minutes ago
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Kiara Brokenbrough’s family is facing the unimaginable.
The influencer—who went viral in 2022 for sharing her budget-friendly wedding on social media—died March 30, per her obituary, while welcoming her first baby with husband Joel Brokenbrough. She was 32.
“Joel and his wife Kiara Brokenbrough were married 4 years ago and were expecting their first child in June,” an April 21 Go Fund Me page organized by Joel’s mom Shaneka Greene read. “They were in the process of moving from West Virginia back to California to make a new home for their growing family.”
“Unexpectedly,” the Go Fund Me page continued, “Kiara went to her Heavenly home while Baby Jonah entered his earthly home.”
The family also shared an update on Kiara and Joel’s newborn Jonah.
“He is in NICU and has begun his long journey to grow stronger and healthier each day,” Shaneka explained. “Jonah is a cutie and a fighter and by God’s grace and POWER we know he will astound the doctors with his daily progress.”
Kiara and Joel’s 2022 wedding went viral on TikTok after the couple detailed how they managed to throw a wedding for just $500.
To keep costs low, among other ways, Kiara bought her wedding dress for $47 and the couple’s guests were asked to purchase their own refreshments at the reception.
Instagram/Kiara Brokenbrough
"You have a wedding, with witnesses there to witness you, vowing to your spouse, vowing to God that you guys are going to stay together for life," Kiara told Good Morning America at the time. "And then you celebrate with food, drinks and dance. And that's exactly what we did."
Following Kiara’s sudden passing, Joel opened up about the weight of his grief.
“I never imagined I would be writing this, especially so soon,” Joel wrote on Facebook April 13. “It has taken me time to begin processing what has happened and to make sense of it all. My beautiful, God-fearing, Worshipping Wife, has gone home to be in the presence of the Lord.”
“Through everything that has happened and continues to unfold, I am leaning on the strength of the Lord,” he added. “Despite the pain I carry as her husband, my faith remains firm and unwavering.”
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