Wife Planning Husband’s Funeral Found Dead Family Suspects ‘Broken Heart’
An Alabama woman Tammy Schmidthorst was found dead two days after her husband Johnny’s sudden passing While foul play is ruled out her family believes grief may have claimed her life in what they describe as a “broken heart” .
Tragic Heartache Deaths Two Days Apart
In a heartbreaking turn of events in Prattville Alabama a devoted couple Johnny and Tammy Schmidthorst passed away just two days apart in mid August 2025 .
Johnny 48 suffered a sudden massive heart attack at home on August 16 Despite his wife Tammy’s immediate CPR efforts and the rapid arrival of medics he could not be revived .
The following day August 17 Tammy—shaken and devastated—began making funeral arrangements for her husband She personally chose the casket and selected the music for the service Family members later recalled how much anguish and sorrow was visible in her eyes during that time .
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Final Arrangements and Another Heartbreak
On August 18 Tammy was expected at the funeral home with her husband’s clothing When she never arrived and calls went unanswered family members rushed to her home To their shock they found her deceased in the bedroom .
Prattville police later confirmed that no foul play was suspected While the official cause of death remains pending toxicology results her relatives firmly believe that grief overwhelmed her leading to what they call a fatal “broken heart” .
As Johnny’s brother Joey explained “As corny as it may sound I genuinely think she had a broken heart”
A Loving Couple and Their Legacy
- Johnny and Tammy had shared about 20 years together Johnny operated a moving business while Tammy worked as a nurse Those close to them described the pair as generous selfless and always eager to help others .
- Together they leave behind three children—Johnny’s sons Landon and Triston and Tammy’s son Tony—as well as six grandchildren .
- Because neither had life insurance the family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral costs Their joint service is scheduled for August 26 in Millbrook Alabama .
Reflections from Family “Good People with a Servant’s Heart”
Johnny’s brother Joey shared heartfelt memories of the couple He described Johnny not only as a sibling but as a mentor and father figure someone talented both academically and athletically The brothers spoke daily sometimes several times a day maintaining a bond that was unshakable .
Although devastated by the sudden double loss Joey expressed comfort in knowing the couple are together and free from pain “If there is any solace it’s that neither one of them are hurting anymore and they’re together But it’s still hard as hell” he admitted .

For the grieving family what truly matters is not the tragic way Johnny and Tammy died but how they lived—with kindness service and love for those around them .
Summary Table
| Detail | Information | 
|---|---|
| Husband’s death | Aug 16 2025 sudden massive heart attack | 
| Wife’s death | Aug 18 2025 found dead after funeral planning | 
| Cause of wife’s death | Pending investigation family suspects grief | 
| Survived by | 3 children and 6 grandchildren | 
| Funeral arrangements | Scheduled for Aug 26 GoFundMe supporting costs | 
This deeply moving story illustrates the profound toll grief can take and stands as a reminder of the enduring bond between two people whose love lasted until the very end .
