Strictly’s Amy Dowden ‘Can’t Find the Words’ After Friend Bex Dies from Blood Clot

Los Angeles, May 4, 2026 — Strictly Reach Dancing professional Amy Dowden has shared a heartbreaking tribute to her close friend Bex, who died after suffering a fatal blood clot on the brain. Dowden revealed the devastating news in a poignant Instagram post on May 3, 2026, describing Bex as a “truly good soul” whose death has left her struggling to process the loss.

In her emotional post, Dowden wrote that she received the news from Bex’s mother, Anne, on Friday, May 2, 2026. Bex, who had just given birth to a baby boy the day before, was found to have a blood clot on her brain, leading to her tragic passing. Dowden expressed disbelief at how someone so fit, healthy, and kind could be taken so suddenly, emphasizing Bex’s selflessness and generosity, even in her final moments as an organ donor.

Dowden’s tribute also highlighted their decades-long friendship, filled with shared memories from childhood to adulthood, including support during Dowden’s own battle with stage three breast cancer in 2023. The post has resonated deeply with fans, underscoring the profound impact of maternal health complications and the importance of awareness around blood clots during pregnancy and postpartum periods.

“On Friday, I got a call from my darling friend Bex’s mum, Anne, to tell me that Bex had a blood clot on her brain. I still can’t quite find the words or make sense of it. How something like this can happen to someone so fit, so healthy, so kind… A truly good soul.”

Amy Dowden, Strictly Come Dancing professional

Dowden’s post also reflected on Bex’s recent life milestones, including the birth of her son and her role as a devoted mother to her two children. She described Bex as someone who always put others before herself, even during Dowden’s own health struggles. The two had shared a close bond over the years, from being roommates in Blackpool to supporting each other through personal challenges.

Maternal Health and Blood Clot Awareness

Bex’s death highlights the serious risks associated with blood clots during pregnancy and the postpartum period, a condition known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). According to the UK National Health Service (NHS), around 1 in 1,000 pregnant women experience a blood clot, with the risk increasing significantly in the weeks following childbirth. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain, or sudden leg swelling, and immediate medical attention is critical.

Dowden’s promise to appear after Bex’s family—including her husband, Sean, and their two children—has touched fans, who have rallied around her in the wake of the tragedy. The post has been widely shared, with many expressing condolences and sharing their own stories of loss.

Amy Dowden’s Journey and Support for Maternal Health

Amy Dowden, 34, has been open about her own health battles, including her stage three breast cancer diagnosis in 2023. After undergoing a mastectomy and chemotherapy, she returned to Strictly Come Dancing in 2024, where she partnered with JLS singer JB Gill before pulling out due to a foot injury. She later returned for the 2025 series with former The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, though their partnership was eliminated early in the competition.

Dowden’s advocacy for maternal and reproductive health has grown in recent years, particularly after her own experiences with fertility and pregnancy. Her tribute to Bex underscores the need for greater awareness and support for women facing complications during and after childbirth.

Next Steps: How to Support Maternal Health Awareness

For those looking to support maternal health initiatives, organizations like Marcé Society and Antenatal Results and Choices provide resources, advocacy, and community support for families affected by pregnancy-related complications. The NHS offers guidance on recognizing symptoms of blood clots during pregnancy.

Dowden has not yet announced plans for a public memorial or fundraiser in Bex’s honor, but fans are encouraged to share their own stories of loss and support for maternal health awareness on social media using the hashtag #RememberBex.

This story will be updated as further details emerge. In the meantime, we invite readers to share their thoughts and memories in the comments below.