Courtesy of Ashley Picco Memorial Fund

It was supposed to be a moment of great joy. Chris Picco and his wife Ashley Picco were about to become parents.

It was a difficult birth; little Lennon James Picco came to the world via emergency Cesarean section at only 24 weeks at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital in California.

Things took a tragic turn when Ashley unexpectedly died in her sleep not long after. A memorial fund was set up in her honor on a fundraising page, and Chris wrote a thank you to all those who chose to help in this trying time.

“It’s impossible to sum up what as happened in the last couple of days. My wife, best friend, and mother of my child passed away. I have a lifetime to grieve this unspeakable loss, but I know that right now she would want me to focus completely on baby Lennon James Picco, who survived by an emergency C-section,” the young father wrote, seeming to take solace in the idea of caring for his fragile newborn son.

Later, on November 11, he also wrote that ‘Ashley would often feel Lennon moving to music so I brought my guitar today and gave him a little concert’.

The new father took his guitar to his son in the incubator to sing to him a stirring rendition of The Beatle’s hit song Blackbird. His friend K.C. Hohensee captured the moment on video and later posted it on YouTube.

After a few hours, Baby Lennon would pass away at just four days old.

On Wednesday (Nov. 12), Chris released this statement:

Dear friends, family, and supporters; it is with an unbelievably heavy heart that I write this.
My little fighter, Lennon James Picco went to sleep in his daddy’s arms late last night.
He was surrounded by family, friends, and the best doctors, nurses and hospital staff in the world.
He was dressed in an outfit that Ashley bought for him, with little guitars on it, and wrapped in a blanket made by a dear friend.
I am so thankful for the four unforgettable days I got to spend with him.
His mommy would have been so beyond joy to see him and to hold him, touch him, bathe him, sing to him – as I have had the privilege of doing.
I have been so blessed and honored to love him before he was formed, to cherish him while mommy carried him, meet him face to precious face, and hold his perfect little body while we said “goodbye for now”.
There are no words, but I wanted to keep you updated, as your love and support has meant more than anything in the world.
All you need is love.

The video has since gone viral, and the memorial fund has surpassed its $50,000 mark. If you would like to donate, click here.

Everyone here at PopWrapped sends our love, prayers, and well wishes to Chris and his family. Rest in peace, Lennon and Ashley.

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