Patriots Linebacker Jahlani Tavai and Partner Share Heartbreaking Loss of Unborn Daughter
New England Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai and his partner, professional volleyball player Kalei Mau, are navigating an unimaginable personal tragedy, as the couple recently revealed the loss of their unborn daughter in a deeply emotional Instagram post.
Mau, who has been balancing a professional volleyball career and studies at Harvard Business School, shared that she was six months pregnant with a baby girl the couple had named Ka ua - a Hawaiian word meaning “rain.” The name was chosen with care and cultural significance, a nod to their shared roots in Hawaii. Their daughter was expected to arrive in March.
But in November, things took a devastating turn. Mau suffered what she described as “an extremely rare blood infection” that led to multiple organ failure. Doctors placed her in an induced coma on November 20 in an effort to save her life.
Tragically, the infection spread to the placenta, and their unborn daughter passed away in the womb.
“Unfortunately, with my organs failing and the sickness infecting my placenta, our baby passed away in my womb,” Mau wrote. She remained unconscious for six days. During that time, her body went into natural labor.
Tavai, by her side throughout, witnessed the delivery while Mau was still in a coma. “He said it was like my body just knew what to do,” she shared.
Despite the heartbreak, Mau’s message was filled with resilience and gratitude. She posted a photo from her hospital bed, kissing the couple’s older daughter - a moment that symbolized both the pain of loss and the strength of love.
“By the grace of GOD and the power of PRAYER I woke up and it was clear what I had to continue to live for,” she wrote. “Thank you Jesus!”
In another post, Mau shared a photo of herself kissing Ka ua for the first and last time. “She was perfect to me,” she said.
“It was so hard to leave her. But when I walked outside it started to rain and it brought me joy to know she’ll always be with me.”
That moment - the rain falling as she left the hospital - carried a powerful, almost poetic symbolism, echoing the name they had chosen for their daughter.
Mau also recorded a video message for those who’ve reached out in support, expressing deep gratitude: “I’m so happy. I couldn’t be happier.
My heart is so full of gratitude. God is so good… The healing journey starts now.
I love you all.”
She extended heartfelt thanks to the New England Patriots organization and the medical team at Massachusetts General Hospital, writing, “Thank you to my New England Patriots family and the incredible doctors & loving nurses at Mass General hospital that helped save my life.”
Tavai, 29, missed the Patriots’ Week 12 matchup against the Bengals due to what the team listed as “personal reasons.” He returned to action in Week 13 and suited up for the win over the Giants.
The California native played his college football at the University of Hawaii - a connection that runs deeper now, given the shared Hawaiian heritage with Mau and the meaning behind their daughter’s name.
This is a story that goes far beyond football. It’s about family, love, and loss - and the strength it takes to keep going. Tavai and Mau have shown incredible courage in sharing their pain so openly, and the support pouring in from across the sports world is a testament to the impact their story has had.
As the Patriots continue their season, Tavai will do so with a heavy heart - but also with the strength of a partner who’s fighting her way back, and the memory of a daughter who’ll always be with them.