18-Year-Old Dancer Layla-Maria Grubb Found Dead in Her Home – Details

The young woman had been released from the hospital earlier that day before she was found unresponsive. Those closest to her are now searching for answers.

Layla-Maria Grubb, an 18-year-old dancer, passed away on July 28, 2025, in Sydney, Australia, after what is believed to have been a seizure. She had been rushed to the hospital that morning after experiencing her first seizure but was discharged hours later.

Tragically, she suffered another seizure shortly after returning home, and this time, it proved fatal. Her mother, Beth Ashton, expressed the depth of the family's loss in a statement:

"We are absolutely broken, there is nothing that can take this pain away … Life will never be the same."

Following the tragedy, New South Wales Health spokesperson released a statement addressing questions about Grubb's treatment. The spokesman said:

"The South Eastern Sydney Local Health District extends its sincere condolences to the family for their tragic loss. As this matter has been referred to the NSW Coroner, it is not appropriate to comment further."

This brief statement has left those closest to Grubb seeking further answers, as they struggle to make sense of the sudden loss.

Among those mourning Grubb is Briden Starr, director of Village Nation, a Sydney dance school where Grubb trained full-time for three years after relocating from Western Australia. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Starr recalled her student's remarkable presence:

"She was not a normal 18-year-old — she was a healthy, positive, focused girl. We all want to know what happened; we are searching for answers."

Starr described Grubb as "the sweetest girl." She added, "Layla lit up every room she walked into. Anyone lucky enough to meet her will know what an absolute angel she was. We are all so heartbroken, this is a horrible thing for anyone to go through."

Grubb's peers and teachers at Village Nation considered her family. Starr, particularly, is now not only grieving her loss but also assisting her loved ones, who rushed to Sydney upon hearing the news, with funeral arrangements.

Meanwhile, in her Facebook tribute, Ashton reflected on her daughter's passion for life and the joy she brought to others:

"[...] Our baby girl left us far too soon. Layla-Maria brought so much joy, light, and love into the lives of everyone who knew her."

She praised Grubb’s beauty in the moving tribute, noting that she was as passionate about dance as she was about life itself. The grieving parent added:

"Her laughter, kindness, and beautiful spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”

Although her daughter's life was cut short, Ashton expressed that her memory would remain alive in the hearts of everyone who loved her. She also thanked those offering prayers and promised to share funeral details in the coming days.

As the news spread, tributes poured in from the dance community and beyond. Village Nation honored Grubb with a heartfelt Instagram post featuring a video montage of her dancing alongside classmates:

"This loss doesn't feel real. Our hearts are broken, and our thoughts are with Layla's family, friends, and everyone who had the joy of knowing her. Layla will forever be a part of our Village. Her presence, her memory, and her light will be honored throughout our studios always."

Alongside these tributes, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help ease the financial burden on her family. Organized by Ashleigh Oreilly with assistance from Anne-Marie Roberts and Miha Oreilly, the fundraiser had already surpassed its $6,500 goal, raising more than $17,000 as of this writing.

Grubb's sudden death has left her family, friends, and teachers searching for answers and comfort. While investigations continue, her loved ones are holding on to memories of her warmth, positivity, and love for dance.

The outpouring of tributes reflects how deeply she touched those around her. In honoring her memory, her community hopes to keep her light alive even in the face of unimaginable loss.