Bride’s Dad Dies Hours After Walking Her Down the Aisle (Exclusive)

Ashlyn RobinetteMon, August 3, 2026 at 4:29 PM UTC

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Patrick McLain and Hannah SheetsCredit: Captured by Brooklynn -

Hannah Sheets married Dylan Sheets on July 25

Hannah’s father, Patrick McLain, unexpectedly died hours after walking her down the aisle at her wedding

The bride reflects on her father’s legacy and her husband’s support as she navigates grief in the wake of his death

A bride’s dream wedding day ended in tragedy after her father died unexpectedly.

Hannah Sheets (née McLain), 21, married Dylan Sheets, 20, at Red Gate Farm and Vineyard in Quincy, Kentucky, on Saturday, July 25, after almost exactly three years of dating. The couple exchanged vows in front of the Ohio River because, when distance separated them early on, it served as the halfway point where they would meet. But as the pair began the next chapter of their relationship, the unthinkable happened.

Before the bride and groom said “I do,” Hannah’s father, Patrick McLain, 48, walked her down the aisle. Hours later, he was gone.

“The death was shocking and completely unexpected,” Hannah tells PEOPLE.

From left to right: Dylan Sheets, Hannah Sheets, Scottiann McLain and Patrick McLainCredit: Captured by Brooklynn

Patrick walked Hannah down the aisle at 1:30 p.m. following an emotional first look between them where they “both cried” and Patrick “kept saying how proud he was” of Hannah. Less than seven hours later at 8:08 p.m., Hannah learned of her father’s sudden death.

“I was completely in shock and heartbroken,” Hannah says. “I was sobbing, screaming and at a loss for words.”

At the time, Hannah and Dylan were still at their venue, where they planned to spend the night alone. Upon hearing the news, the newlyweds immediately rushed home.

“My biggest thought was that he had just been fine at my wedding hours beforehand and I could not comprehend that he was gone,” Hannah says, noting that “there were no signs of his declining health” at or before the wedding.

Hannah Sheets walking down the aisle with her parents, Scottiann and Patrick McLainCredit: Captured by Brooklynn

Just hours earlier, Patrick and Hannah had done the electric slide for their father-daughter dance as a throwback to the same special dance they shared when she was a child at a father-daughter dance event, not knowing it would be their last.

Throughout the ceremony and reception, Patrick had told Hannah that he loved her, and would see her and her husband soon. She says, “We both had expected to see each other later in the week.”

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Patrick McLain and Hannah Sheets during their first lookCredit: Captured by Brooklynn

Although Hannah could have never imagined how the day would end, she’s grateful Patrick was able to see her tie the knot, surrounded by family.

“I often replay the moment he walked me down the aisle because he squeezed my hand three times before giving me to Dylan,” she shares. “That was the last time he told me he loved me in that way. It was a constant through my life, but that will always be the last.”

Prayer during Hannah and Dylan Sheets’ wedding ceremonyCredit: Captured by Brooklynn

Patrick dedicated his life to serving others, taking on the roles of soldier, police officer, paramedic and security officer. He joined the West Virginia Army National Guard following the 9/11 terrorist attacks and completed two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 1-150th B Troop, per his obituary. During his 22 years of service, he obtained many awards for his heroism. He continued to protect others by serving with several police departments, working with emergency medical services, and even acting as a federal security officer in retirement.

“My father was a true hero and Godly man,” Hannah tells PEOPLE. “He consistently put himself in harm’s way to protect others. He was a first responder (EMT and police officer) and an Army veteran who served two tours. My father was a big part of my whole world. There will never be a moment going forward when I don’t think of him and incorporate his legacy. He raised me to be the woman I am today and I will always be proud of the moments we were able to spend together.”

Patrick McLain and Hannah Sheets during their first lookCredit: Captured by Brooklynn

Balancing loss with celebrating marriage has been challenging for Hannah, who says she’s been “focused on grieving and spending time with loved ones.” For others who may be experiencing sudden loss, she says, “There are not enough words to make what you’re going through any better. Grief is incredibly hard and a heartbreaking process. Lean on the ones you love and be kind to yourself.”

Hannah is “eternally grateful” for Dylan, who’s upheld his “for better or for worse” vow by being her “rock” through this tragedy. “He has stayed strong and given me the space I need to be vulnerable during this hard time. I can’t imagine going through this without having his love and support,” she shares.

Patrick McLain and Hannah Sheets huggingCredit: Captured by Brooklynn

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Dylan is just as “deeply upset” over Patrick’s death, as they “had a very close father and son relationship,” having bonded over sports and target practice. Dylan also ensured to get Patrick’s blessing before he proposed last April in the tulip field at Gritt’s Farm in Buffalo, West Virginia.

“Looking back, it means so much that my father had given his blessing to Dylan and that he fully supported our marriage,” Hannah says.

Patrick’s funeral service took place over the weekend and his cause of death is still to be determined by autopsy results.

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Source: “AOL Breaking”