The Broadus family is navigating an unimaginable tragedy following the passing of Codi Dreaux, the 10-month-old daughter of Cori Broadus and her fiancé, Wayne Deuce.
Cori, the 26-year-old daughter of rap legend Snoop Dogg, shared the devastating news on her Instagram Stories on January 31, 2026. Posting a black-and-white photo of herself smiling while cradling her baby, she wrote: “Monday, I lost the love of my life. My Codi 🪽.”
The loss was particularly jarring for the family and their followers, as Codi had only recently been discharged from the hospital. In a follow-up post, Cori expressed her shock at the timing, writing: “20 days later?! dawg I’m sick.”
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A Heartbreaking Goodbye
Codi’s father, Wayne Deuce, shared his own tribute through a series of photos. “I been the saddest since u left me Codi Dreaux. But I know u at peace. Daddy will always love you,” he wrote over an image of himself holding his daughter. He added a simple, painful note: “My baby.”
Snoop Dogg showed public solidarity with his daughter by posting a photo of himself with Cori and his sons, Corde and Cordell. He captioned the family portrait with “💖🙏🏾,” signaling his support during the private crisis. His son Cordell added his own promise to his sister: “Lil sis, we got you forever.”
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Even those who cared for Codi in the hospital shared their grief. A nurse who worked with the family wrote in a message reshared by Cori: “Being a nurse has its ups and downs and this is the biggest down I ever experienced. It was such a pleasure being my babygirl’s nurse, I gave her one last bath, told her I loved her and didn’t even know I was getting her ready for heaven.”
From NICU Warrior to Homecoming
Codi’s life was a battle from the very beginning. Born in February 2025 at just 25 weeks (six months), she spent nearly her entire 10 months of life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
At the time of the birth, Cori was open about the emotional toll of a premature arrival. “The princess arrived at 6 months,” she wrote. “I’ve cried and cried, I’ve compared and compared, blaming myself that I wasn’t able to give her all that she needed. But no matter what God always shows me that I’m His Child!”
She continued, “Baby girl came at 25 weeks today and she’s perfect as ever! Thank You God for getting me this far no matter the odds that are constantly thrown against me 🙏.”
Despite the medical equipment and hospital walls, Cori described Codi’s vibrant spirit to Us Weekly: “Codi just has so much character. The doctors and nurses always tell me: ‘Your baby got her mind. She’s smart. She’s alert. She knows what’s going on… That girl is just a sweet little firecracker.’”
In September, marking NICU Awareness Month, Cori reflected on her new reality: “Becoming a NICU mom was not part of the plan, but it became part of my story. I carry my little warrior’s strength with me every day.”
The family finally celebrated a long-awaited milestone on January 6, 2026, when Codi was cleared to go home. “She’s home. 🤍,” Cori captioned a photo of them snuggling in bed. “Thank you for every prayer, every message, every ounce of love. God heard them all. 🕊️✨.”
Understanding HELLP Syndrome
Codi’s premature birth was necessitated by Cori developing HELLP syndrome, a rare and dangerous pregnancy complication. According to the Cleveland Clinic, HELLP affects about 0.1 to 0.6 percent of pregnancies and is often considered a severe variant of preeclampsia.
What is HELLP?
- H (Hemolysis): The breakdown of oxygen-carrying red blood cells.
- EL (Elevated Liver enzymes): Chemicals indicating liver stress or damage.
- LP (Low Platelets): A shortage of the blood cells that allow clotting.
Warning Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms of HELLP can be easily mistaken for the flu or common pregnancy aches, making awareness vital. Key indicators include:
- Upper right-side abdominal pain (a specific sign of liver involvement).
- Blurry vision or seeing “spots.”
- Severe headaches and fatigue.
- Nausea and vomiting late in pregnancy.
- Rapid weight gain and significant swelling (edema).
When to Seek Help
The Cleveland Clinic advises that HELLP syndrome is a medical emergency. Immediate delivery is often the only way to resolve the condition, even if the baby is not yet full-term. You should seek emergency care if you experience:
- Seizures or uncontrollable shakes.
- Uncontrolled nosebleeds.
- Sharp, gas-like pain in the upper abdomen.
- Any sudden, severe change in vision or blood pressure.
Prevention Tips: While there is no known way to prevent HELLP, the best defense is regular prenatal care. Attending every appointment allows providers to monitor blood pressure and urine protein levels, catching potential issues before they become life-threatening.
