Doctor dies in labor at hospital where she worked

STARKVILLE, Miss. — The Starkville, Mississippi, medical community is mourning the loss of a doctor who died while in labor.

Dr. Nikki Shoemake died at OCH Regional Medical Center.

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WTVA reported that Oktibbeha County Coroner Michael Hunt ruled Shoemake died of "natural causes during delivery of a baby."

"Our hospital family is mourning the loss of this beautiful woman who devoted her life to taking care of others," the hospital said in a Wednesday statement on its Facebook page. "Please remember Dr. Shoemake's family in your thoughts and prayers. She will be missed greatly but will never be forgotten."

In a statement to The Clarion-Ledger, OCH Administrator/CEO Richard Hilton said: "Dr. Shoemake was an excellent surgeon who cared about her patients and was passionate about the practice of medicine. She had an impact on countless lives and will be greatly missed."

The baby is alive and at a Jackson, Miss., hospital.

Cox Media Group