Influencers shared the devastating news that they lost their baby girl at 17 weeks development due to a “genetic defect.” Matt and Abby Howard are known for their videos on TikTok documenting their lives and family, with the couple taking off during the pandemic. They started their “Unplanned” podcast after Abby found she was unexpectedly pregnant with their second son just five months after their first son was born. The two also courted controversy last year when they posted a video about a cruise they were on. The couple said they had reserved two rooms right next to each other and explained how they had left their sons, then 1 and 2 at the time, in one cabin while they went to get dinner. The couple was quickly blasted for what some saw as dangerous behavior by leaving their sons alone on a cruise ship. The couple later issued a statement, saying their video had been misunderstood and that someone had been with them the whole time.

While the Howards have been divisive on the internet for some of their takes, the couple’s latest video is much more heartbreaking. Posting on her Instagram, Abby informed her fans that she and Matt’s third child had passed away. “At a routine pregnancy appointment, our doctor could not find a heartbeat,” wrote Abby. “Shortly after they sent us in for an ultrasound where the technician said words we will never forget, ‘I am so sorry I do not have good news.’ That is when we got the gender reveal we never hoped for and also the news that our baby had a genetic condition that took her life around 17 weeks gestation.” Abby called their grief “absolutely devastating,” though she said that they still have hope. “For now we will grieve and continue to think of ways to honor her life offline. Thoughts and prayers are more than welcome. Thank you everyone for celebrating this precious life with us for the past 17 weeks,” Abby concluded.

The post received condolences from other influencers. “I am so sorry, Abby,” wrote Tori Roloff of Little People, Big World.  “I am praying for your strength! It always comforted me to know the first face my baby saw was Jesus, and hopefully that comfort you too!! Love you friend.”