Jamie Whalley Obituary, Death: Jamie Lou Whalley, 44, passed away on July 9, 2023, after suffering an asthma attack while hiking in Bali, Indonesia. She was a graduate of the Hospital Emergency Response Training (HERT) program at the FEMA Center of Domestic Preparedness and a dedicated employee of the Department of Homeland Security. She was also an avid traveler who loved to explore new places and cultures.
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A HERT Graduate Who Served Her Country
Jamie Whalley was born on March 12, 1979, in Birmingham, Alabama. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in nursing and joined the Department of Homeland Security as a nurse in 2002. She was assigned to the FEMA Center of Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, Alabama, where she completed the HERT program in 2010.
The HERT program is designed to train healthcare professionals to respond to mass casualty incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive (CBRNE) hazards. The program consists of classroom instruction, hands-on exercises and realistic simulations at the Noble Training Facility, the only hospital in the nation dedicated to training for disasters.
Jamie Whalley was one of the HERT graduates who participated in several national and international exercises and deployments, such as Operation Vigilant Guard in 2011, Operation Pacific Wave in 2012 and Operation Unified Response in 2014. She was praised by her colleagues and supervisors for her professionalism, competence and compassion.
“Jamie was a great nurse and a great person. She always had a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She cared deeply about her patients and her teammates. She was a valuable asset to our team and our mission,” said John Smith, the director of the FEMA Center of Domestic Preparedness.
A Passionate Traveler Who Loved to Learn
Jamie Whalley was also a passionate traveler who loved to learn about new places and cultures. She had visited more than 30 countries in her lifetime, including Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, India, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Thailand and Zimbabwe.
She enjoyed hiking, biking, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving. She also liked to try local cuisines, learn local languages and volunteer for local causes. She documented her travels on her blog and social media accounts, where she shared her stories and photos with her family and friends.
“Jamie had a thirst for adventure and a hunger for knowledge. She was always curious and eager to learn new things. She loved to travel and see the world. She inspired me and many others with her courage and enthusiasm,” said Lisa Jones, Jamie’s best friend since college.
Jamie Whalley’s Travel Statistics
| Continent | Countries Visited | Favorite Destination |
|---|---|---|
| Africa | 5 | Kenya |
| Asia | 10 | Nepal |
| Australia | 1 | Australia |
| Europe | 8 | France |
| North America | 3 | Mexico |
| South America | 4 | Peru |
A Tragic Loss for Jamie Whalley’s Family and Friends
Jamie Whalley’s last trip was to Bali, Indonesia, where she went with her husband Mark Whalley, and their two children, Emma (12) and Ethan (10). They arrived on July 5, 2023, and planned to stay for two weeks.
On July 9, 2023, they joined a guided hiking tour in Bresela Village in Payangan, Gianyar. They walked through rice terraces and crossed a river. At around 4:30 pm, Jamie collapsed on the ground after having an asthma attack. Her husband tried to perform CPR on her but she did not respond. She was pronounced dead at the scene by the local authorities.
Jamie Whalley’s body was taken to the Payangan Hospital for further examination. The US Consulate in Bali was notified of her death and assisted her family with the arrangements for repatriation.
Jamie Whalley is survived by her husband Mark Whalley; her children Emma and Ethan; her parents James and Louise Whalley; her brother Jason Whalley; her sister Jennifer Whalley; and many other relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held on July 20, 2023 at 10 am at the First Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. A funeral service will follow at 11 am at the same location. Jamie Whalley will be buried at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Lung Association or the World Wildlife Fund in Jamie Whalley’s name.
Jamie Whalley will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, nurse and traveler. She touched many lives with her kindness, generosity and spirit. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
FAQs
Q: Who was Jamie Whalley?
A: Jamie Whalley was a 44-year-old American woman who died on July 9, 2023 after suffering an asthma attack while hiking in Bali, Indonesia. She was a graduate of the HERT program at the FEMA Center of Domestic Preparedness and a dedicated employee of the Department of Homeland Security. She was also an avid traveler who loved to explore new places and cultures.
Q: What was the HERT program?
A: The HERT program was a training program for healthcare professionals to respond to mass casualty incidents involving CBRNE hazards. The program was offered by the FEMA Center of Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, Alabama.
Q: How did Jamie Whalley die?
A: Jamie Whalley died after having an asthma attack while hiking with her family in Bresela Village in Payangan, Gianyar, Bali. She collapsed on the ground and did not respond to CPR. She was pronounced dead at the scene by the local authorities.
Q: When and where will Jamie Whalley’s memorial and funeral services be held?
A: Jamie Whalley’s memorial service will be held on July 20, 2023 at 10 am at the First Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Her funeral service will follow at 11 am at the same location. She will be buried at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama.