Losing a loved one is never easy, and when it happens suddenly, the pain can be overwhelming. In March 2020, tragedy struck the family of Mina Starsiak Hawk, the host of HGTV’s hit series Good Bones. Her sister-in-law, Stefanie Hawk, passed away unexpectedly at just 31 years old in Indianapolis. The circumstances surrounding her death remain shrouded in mystery, but one thing is clear: it was a devastating loss for the family.
The Sudden Departure
Stefanie grew up alongside Mina’s husband, Steve Hawk. Their bond was strong, and her sudden passing left a void that could never be filled. The exact cause of Stefanie’s death remains undisclosed, but complications related to COVID-19 affected memorial and funeral arrangements. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Mina shared the heartbreaking news with her followers:
“There’s no easy way to share this. Yesterday we unexpectedly lost my sister, Stefanie Hawk. She was such a bright light in all of our lives for such a long time. There is nothing to say that makes it easier or better, especially in this time where our access to loved ones and friends is so limited. Given this impossible situation we are all in with the restrictions we need to respect, we have decided that a gathering will not be possible. As soon as we can make some decisions, we will share information regarding a celebration of Stef’s life.”
A Bittersweet Time
Amidst the grief, Mina was also navigating her second pregnancy. Her daughter, Charlie, was born shortly after Stefanie’s passing. The joy of bringing new life into the world was juxtaposed with the pain of losing someone so dear. Stefanie’s absence weighed heavily on the family, especially Mina’s husband, who had recently lost his own parents. Mina shared:
“Losing her parents, Rick and Sally, affected her deeply. It did all of us, but Stef in particular. It took Stef and our ability to come together as a family to share our love for her as she so deserved. It took the joy from my husband that he had just managed to find again after losing his parents.”
Stefanie’s memory lives on, and her bright spirit continues to touch the hearts of those who knew her. As Mina cherishes her daughter, she sees glimpses of Stefanie in Charlie’s eyes—a reminder that love transcends time and space.
