Alex and Kayla Vesia’s Journey Through Loss: A Story of Grief and Gratitude
In a heartfelt TikTok video shared recently, Kayla Vesia opened up about the devastating loss she and her husband, Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Alex Vesia, have experienced. Last November, the couple announced the passing of their daughter, Sterling Sol Vesia, who “went to heaven” on October 26. Speaking with raw emotion, Kayla admitted she was at a loss for words, saying simply, “Alex and I are just trying to get through it every day. Every day’s so different for us right now, and I don’t really have the words.” Her vulnerability in sharing their grief journey marks her first return to social media since this unimaginable tragedy, offering a glimpse into the couple’s ongoing healing process.
The Vesias’ story began with joy when they announced in April 2025 that they were expecting their first child together. The couple, who married in 2024, had shared their excitement through pregnancy updates and photos on social media, documenting what should have been one of the happiest chapters of their lives. However, their world changed dramatically last fall when Alex suddenly stepped away from the Dodgers during the critical World Series period. At that time, the team only noted that he was handling a “deeply personal matter” that required him to be away. Now we understand the heartbreaking reality behind that absence—the loss of their daughter Sterling, a profound grief that transcended even the importance of a World Series appearance.
Despite the overwhelming sorrow, Kayla’s message conveyed immense gratitude for the outpouring of support they’ve received. “It just felt right to come on here and say ‘Thank you,'” she expressed in her video. “I am really grateful for the community of you guys, and just expressing your support and love towards us. It really has brought us a lot of comfort during this.” These words highlight the importance of community during times of grief—how the kindness of friends, family, fans, and even strangers can provide a crucial lifeline when navigating the darkest moments. The Vesias have found some measure of comfort in knowing they aren’t walking this difficult path alone, that their daughter Sterling’s brief life has touched many hearts.
Throughout this ordeal, Alex has continued his professional career while managing his personal grief. He made 68 regular-season appearances in 2024 and pitched in seven postseason games, contributing to the Dodgers’ victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series. The team secured its second consecutive championship, an achievement that must carry complicated emotions for the relief pitcher. While celebrating this professional milestone, Alex was simultaneously processing one of life’s most devastating personal losses—a juxtaposition that underscores the complex reality of balancing professional obligations with profound personal grief, something many people face in different contexts.
Kayla’s tentative steps back into public sharing reveal the delicate nature of grief and healing. In her TikTok message, she acknowledged uncertainty about what her “content is gonna look like going forward,” but expressed a desire to share her journey. “I don’t know how much I’m going to share. I don’t know the details of it, but I do know that I want to share, and if it can help somebody who’s going through the same thing, feel like they’re not alone,” she said. This sentiment reflects a common response to tragedy—finding meaning through helping others who face similar circumstances. By channeling her pain into potential support for others experiencing pregnancy or infant loss, Kayla is finding a way to honor Sterling’s memory and create purpose from profound suffering.
The Vesias’ story resonates because it touches on universal themes of love, loss, and resilience that transcend the world of professional sports. Their willingness to acknowledge their grief publicly, while maintaining appropriate boundaries around their healing process, demonstrates remarkable courage. As they navigate each day differently, sometimes without adequate words to express their feelings, they remind us of grief’s unpredictable nature and the importance of patience and compassion—both for ourselves and others experiencing loss. Their journey continues to unfold one day at a time, balancing private healing with the knowledge that sharing their story might bring comfort to others walking similar paths, creating an enduring legacy for their daughter Sterling Sol Vesia.
