Date of Birth
October 18, 1991
Date of Death
April 2, 2025
Location
Reno, Nevada
Cause of Death
Amniotic Fluid Embolism
Her Story
Kelly Marie Helgerson passed away unexpectedly on April 2, 2025 shortly after giving birth to her daughter. Kelly had a very rare complication known as amniotic fluid embolism (AFE). She is survived by her husband John Helgerson, daughter Sage Kyle Helgerson, parents David and Paula Peterson, brother Kyle Peterson, grandfather Harold Schlieve, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Kelly was born on October 18, 1991 in Reno Nevada, and was 33 years young at the time of her passing. She attended Hunsberger Elementary School, Pine Middle School, and graduated from Galena High School in 2010. She continued her education at the University of Nevada, Reno, graduating in 2016 with a degree in education. She studied abroad in San Sebastián for a semester, and after graduating from college, accepted a job in Madrid Spain for a year. While living there, she became very close friends with two roommates, her soul sisters, whom she continued a strong friendship with back in the states. During her time in Spain, she traveled to countless countries, either with friends or by herself, displaying her bravery, confidence and love of traveling.
Kelly was a gifted educator, having taught at Mater Academy and Doral Academy. She was always respected and loved by her peers, students and families. Being very talented in artistic projects, she completed a 40 foot mural for Doral. She self taught herself in water colors and calligraphy, creating many holiday cards, wedding and welcome signs, and numerous other projects.
Kelly had taken a job on the weekends at Mt Rose Ski area so she could meet other people outside of the education field. In February 2018 she met the man of her dreams, John Helgerson, who was also a teacher! They were perfect for each other, skiing, riding bikes, rock climbing and running. But most importantly, just “being”, walking, talking, living, so into one another. They traveled to Canada, Portugal and Spain. They were married in October 2021 on a perfect day in Dave and Paula’s back yard, followed by a honeymoon to Iceland.
In 2023 a close friend working for DRI encouraged Kelly to apply for a position there. Having a very positive and strong work ethic, DRI accepted her with open arms. She learned the process quickly and became a real asset to research management, still employed there at the time of her death. We cannot thank DRI enough for their continual support of Kelly, John and Sage during this very difficult time.
To have known Kelly was to love her. She touched countless lives in everything she did. She was so full of life, adventure, love and a strong commitment to family. She had the most infectious laugh, and always lit up a room with her presence. We are grateful for 33 years of unforgettable memories.