'Baby Abbie’ who was snatched from hospital as a newborn in 1994 dies aged just 30

10 December 2024, 08:44 | Updated: 10 December 2024, 09:32

Abbie's husband Karl Sundgren posted tributes to her online
Abbie's husband Karl Sundgren posted tributes to her online. Picture: Instagram

By Asher McShane

A woman who was snatched from hospital as a newborn baby in 1994 has died aged 30 from a brain tumour.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Abbie Humphries, who was known as Baby Abbie after she was snatched from her cot at a hospital in Nottingham, died on Sunday.

She had been battling the tumour for four years.

Her husband Karl Sundgren paid tribute to his ‘beautiful’ wife on social media.

He wrote: "Our beautiful Abbie peacefully passed away yesterday, surrounded by loved ones.

Read more: Ivy League graduate Luigi Mangione, 26, charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

Read more: Six people charged in London terror probe linked to banned PKK after 'extensive police investigation'

Karen Humphries with newborn Abbie before she was snatched from hospital
Karen Humphries with newborn Abbie before she was snatched from hospital. Picture: Alamy

"She fought so hard with so much strength and grace for over 4 years and can finally rest.

"Abbie was so strong, and her infectious smile will forever remain in our hearts."

In 1994, Abbie was snatched from her cot at just three hours old by a woman posing as a nurse.

She was eventually found 16 days later.

Her mum Karen said at the time: "Whoever has taken our baby, can they please give her back."

CCTV of the woman believed to have snatched baby Abbie
CCTV of the woman believed to have snatched baby Abbie. Picture: Alamy

Police were given a tip-off that a former dental nurse named Julie Kelley had arrived home with a baby girl.

She had told neighbours that she was expecting a boy, and they became suspicious.

Kelley later pleaded guilty to abducting Abbie and was put on probation for three years and treated for a personality disorder.

She had faked her pregnancy in an effort to persuade her boyfriend not to leave. Abbie previously said: "We have just had a terrible amount of bad luck.

"I usually choose to look at the positive side of everything. It makes everyone feel better."

She was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2021 and given months to live but survived for four years.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer

'Putting the brakes on Britain': Mental health crisis holding back economy, charities warn PM

Annual blood test for cancer ‘could stop half of cases reaching advanced stage’

'Game-changing' blood tests could spot cancer before symptoms and cut deaths by half, say scientists

London, UK, 21st April, 2025. ROGER Daltery at The London Palladium on his Live and Kicking Tour 21st April 2025 Credit: Ray Hill/Alamy Live News

Who knew? No UK goodbye tour from rock legends for now after band announced final tour in the US and Canada

A couple on a boating holiday found the naked body of Sabrina Brett floating in the Grand Union Canal near Milton Keynes on May 11, 1995.

£20k reward for tips about sexual exploitation and murder of ‘bright and cheeky’ 17-year-old girl three decades ago

Sir Keir Starmer is set to announce a fresh wave of sanctions on Russia as he said the UK will "do everything in our power to destroy" President Vladimir Putin's shadow fleet.

Starmer to announce fresh sanctions on Russia as he vows to ‘do everything in our power to destroy’ Putin’s shadow fleet

Director James Foley arrives at the premiere of Universal Pictures' 'Fifty Shades Darker' at The Theatre at Ace Hotel on February 2, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.

‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ director James Foley dies aged 71 after brain cancer diagnosis

Manchester United's Mason Mount celebrates following the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Thursday May 8, 2025.

Manchester United climb a Mount-ain to reach all-English Europa League final against Spurs

'Everybody should want it to STOP': Trump gives update on Russia-Ukraine conflict as ceasefire talks continue

'Everybody should want it to STOP': Trump gives update on Russia-Ukraine conflict as ceasefire talks continue

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russia and Ukraine both accuse each other of breaching VE Day ceasefire

Three Merseyside Police officers have been commended for their bravery for their role in the emergency response to the gruesome Southport stabbing attack.

Three Merseyside police officers commended for bravery for response to Southport attack

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost.

Everything we know about Pope Leo XIV, the first-ever American pope

Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives at the White House for a meeting with President Donald Trump.

Everything we know about the UK-US trade deal - as final details still ‘being written up’

John Swinney will vote against assisted dying legislation in Holyrood next week.

'It's not the right thing to do' - John Swinney to vote against assisted dying in Scotland

The Bank of England has cut interest rates to 4.25%, its lowest level in two years. What does the change mean for you

Why have interest rates been cut and what does it mean for you?

Newly elected Pope Leone XIV appears at the balcony of St. Peter

US cardinal Robert Prevost elected Pope Leo XIV

Siobhain McDonagh, left, and Margaret McDonagh on holiday in Málaga

Labour MP remains 'determined' to find cure for 'savage' brain cancer that killed her sister