Shane Michael Haley Obituary: Remembering His Life

Shane Michael Haley was a baby whose life lasted only a few hours, but his story reached people around the world. Born on October 9, 2014, in Pennsylvania, Shane was diagnosed before birth with anencephaly, a severe neural tube defect affecting the development of the brain and skull.

His parents, Jenna Gassew and Daniel Haley Jr., knew throughout the pregnancy that their son was unlikely to survive for long after birth. Instead of allowing the diagnosis to define his entire story, they created memories with him before he was born, taking him on a series of family adventures that became known as Shane’s “bucket list.”

Shane was born at 2:25 a.m. on October 9, 2014. He was baptized into the Catholic faith and spent several hours surrounded by his parents and extended family. He died peacefully in his mother’s arms at about 6:05 a.m.

Although Shane’s life was brief, his story became widely known through the family’s Prayers for Shane Facebook page and media coverage. His parents used the experience to raise awareness of anencephaly and to encourage people to value every moment of life.

Who Was Shane Michael Haley?

Shane Michael Haley was the first child of Jenna Gassew and Daniel Haley Jr. His family was based in Pennsylvania, in the Philadelphia area.

Before Shane was born, his parents learned that he had anencephaly. The diagnosis meant that his brain and skull had not developed normally and that he was not expected to survive after birth.

The diagnosis was delivered during a specialist ultrasound in April 2014. Shane’s parents were devastated, but they decided to continue the pregnancy and make as many memories as possible with their son.

They later created a Facebook page called Prayers for Shane, where they documented their pregnancy and the adventures they experienced as a family.

Latest Update on the Shane Michael Haley Obituary

As of October 1, 2026, Shane Michael Haley’s death is a historical event dating to October 9, 2014. He was born that morning and died approximately four hours later.

The original obituary published through the Delaware County Daily Times and preserved by Legacy identifies Shane as the cherished son of Jenna Gassew and Daniel Haley Jr. It states that he was born with anencephaly and lived for almost four hours.

The same obituary identifies his grandparents as Jeffrey and Cathleen Gassew and Rose M. and Daniel Haley Sr. It also mentions great-grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Shane’s story continues to appear in online searches because of the extraordinary public response to his family’s pregnancy journey and the awareness surrounding anencephaly.

The Diagnosis Before His Birth

Shane’s parents learned about his condition during a specialist ultrasound in April 2014. The family had initially believed that everything was progressing normally.

According to the family’s account, Jenna was about 12 weeks pregnant when she and Dan became concerned after an earlier incident while driving home from Pennsylvania State University. They went to the hospital for an examination, and further testing eventually led to specialist care.

On April 10, Jenna attended a specialist appointment with her mother. During the ultrasound, doctors identified the condition that would change the family’s pregnancy.

The diagnosis was anencephaly. The family was told that the condition was fatal and that their baby was not expected to survive.

Anencephaly is a severe neural tube defect in which major portions of the brain and skull fail to develop during pregnancy. Babies with the condition generally die shortly after birth.

For Shane’s parents, the diagnosis transformed what had been an ordinary pregnancy into a period filled with uncertainty, grief and preparation.

Choosing Shane’s Name

During the pregnancy, the family learned that they were expecting a boy. On May 23, 2014, relatives and close friends gathered for a gender-reveal celebration.

The family chose the name Shane Michael Haley.

Although doctors had warned the parents about his limited life expectancy, Jenna and Dan continued to treat Shane as their son and included him in their family life throughout the pregnancy.

The Shane Bucket List

One of the most memorable parts of Shane’s story was the bucket list his parents created before his birth.

They understood that Shane might never have the opportunity to experience many ordinary childhood activities after birth. So they decided to create those memories while he was still in the womb.

The family visited places and participated in activities that became part of Shane’s story. Their adventures included the Cape May Zoo, Ocean City, Maryland, Philadelphia cheesesteaks, New York City, Spruce Street Harbor Park, baseball games and a train ride in Lancaster.

They also visited beaches, the Statue of Liberty and the September 11 Memorial in New York.

The family documented the experiences through photographs and posts on the Prayers for Shane Facebook page.

The idea attracted widespread attention because it presented a different way of responding to a terminal prenatal diagnosis. Instead of focusing only on the approaching loss, Shane’s parents focused on creating meaningful family memories.

The Prayers for Shane Facebook Page

The family’s Facebook page became an important part of Shane’s story.

According to the family’s later account, the page grew from a small group of friends and relatives into a community numbering in the hundreds of thousands. At one point, the family reported that more than 955,000 people were following the page.

The page allowed people who had never met Shane to follow the family’s pregnancy journey. Supporters left prayers, messages and words of encouragement as the October due date approached.

Media organizations also began reporting on the family’s story. Their experience was covered by Philadelphia-area television outlets and national media, including ABC News.

The attention gave the family a platform to discuss anencephaly and the emotional experience of preparing for a child’s short life.

Shane’s Final Weeks Before Birth

As the pregnancy continued, Jenna underwent regular medical appointments. The family knew that Shane’s arrival could bring both the joy of meeting him and the pain of saying goodbye.

The family account says that doctors monitored increased amniotic fluid levels during the pregnancy. The condition, known as polyhydramnios, can occur in some pregnancies involving anencephaly.

The family worked with a large medical team to prepare for Shane’s delivery. According to their account, more than 25 members of the medical staff were involved in preparations.

They ultimately agreed to an induction at 39 weeks and two days because the increasing fluid levels had become a concern for delivery.

Before going to the hospital, the family gathered to mark Shane’s 39 weeks. The occasion gave them another opportunity to celebrate his life before his birth.

Shane’s Birth on October 9, 2014

Jenna entered the hospital on October 7, 2014, for the scheduled induction.

After a long labor, Shane was born at 2:25 a.m. on October 9. According to his family’s account, Jenna pushed for approximately 15 minutes before he was born.

Shane weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 19 inches long.

His arrival was celebrated by his parents and a large group of relatives. Members of the family had waited at the hospital while Jenna was in labor.

The family described the moment of meeting Shane as deeply emotional. They were finally able to hold the child they had carried and loved throughout the pregnancy.

Shane Was Baptized

Shane was baptized into the Catholic faith shortly after his birth.

A priest and members of the family were present. His baptism was part of the family’s effort to surround him with the people who had supported them throughout the pregnancy.

Family members were able to meet and hold him, while photographs were taken to preserve the memories of his brief life.

The family’s account says that Shane opened his eyes and looked around at the people who had gathered to welcome him.

How Long Did Shane Michael Haley Live?

Shane was born at 2:25 a.m. on October 9, 2014, and died at approximately 6:05 a.m. that same morning.

His life therefore lasted about three hours and 40 minutes, although his funeral obituary described him as living for almost four hours.

During those hours, he was held by his parents and surrounded by family. His mother held him when he died.

His short life became the central focus of a family story that had already reached a large audience before his birth.

Shane’s Death

Shane Michael Haley died peacefully on October 9, 2014, shortly after his birth.

His obituary states that he was born with anencephaly and lived for almost four hours. ABC News also reported that he died a few hours after birth.

The cause of death should be described carefully. Shane’s underlying medical condition was anencephaly, a condition that is generally incompatible with long-term survival. The available obituary does not provide a separate medical death certificate or additional diagnosis beyond anencephaly.

His parents were able to spend time with him after his death. They later described those hours as painful but meaningful.

Family and Relatives

Shane was the son of Jenna Gassew and Daniel Haley Jr.

His obituary identifies his grandparents as Jeffrey and Cathleen Gassew and Rose M. and Daniel Haley Sr.

He was also survived by great-grandparents Paul and Mickey Straube and Anne Marie Simon, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

The large extended family played an important role during the pregnancy and after Shane’s birth. Relatives gathered at the hospital, attended his funeral and supported his parents through the loss.

Funeral and Burial

Shane’s funeral arrangements were handled by Donohue Funeral Home in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.

Family and friends were invited to visitation on October 17, 2014, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by another visitation period on October 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

His Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m. on October 18 at St. Laurence Church in Upper Darby.

Shane was buried at SS Peter & Paul Cemetery.

The family requested contributions in his memory to the J-Foundation, Inc., in Thornton, Pennsylvania.

How Shane’s Story Reached the Public

Shane’s story became nationally known before he was born.

The family’s bucket-list project attracted attention from local media, and national outlets later reported on their experience. ABC News published a story on October 9, 2014, describing Shane’s birth and death.

The public response was substantial. People from different parts of the country followed the family’s updates and sent messages of support.

For Shane’s parents, sharing the story provided a way to remember their son while also helping other families learn about anencephaly.

Shane’s Legacy and Anencephaly Awareness

Although Shane lived for only a few hours, his story became a source of awareness about anencephaly and the experiences of families receiving severe prenatal diagnoses.

His parents continued sharing their story after his death. Their account emphasized the value of the time they had with their son rather than measuring his life only by its length.

The family’s story also showed how parents can create memories before the birth of a child facing a life-limiting diagnosis.

Shane’s name became associated with a broader message about cherishing family, documenting memories and treating a child as a loved member of the family regardless of how long that child’s life may last.

Quick Facts About Shane Michael Haley

Reader Questions

Who was Shane Michael Haley?

Shane Michael Haley was the son of Jenna Gassew and Daniel Haley Jr. He was born with anencephaly on October 9, 2014, and died approximately four hours after birth.

When did Shane Michael Haley die?

Shane died on October 9, 2014, the same day he was born. His recorded time of death was approximately 6:05 a.m.

How long did Shane Michael Haley live?

Shane lived for approximately four hours. His obituary says he lived for almost four hours, while his family’s account records his birth at 2:25 a.m. and death at 6:05 a.m.

What was Shane Haley’s cause of death?

Shane was born with anencephaly, a severe neural tube defect affecting development of the brain and skull. His obituary identifies the condition but does not provide a separate medical cause beyond it.

What is anencephaly?

Anencephaly is a serious neural tube defect in which major portions of the brain and skull do not develop normally during pregnancy. Babies with anencephaly generally do not survive for long after birth.

Who were Shane Haley’s parents?

Shane’s parents were Jenna Gassew and Daniel Haley Jr. They documented their pregnancy journey and created a bucket list of experiences for their unborn son.

What was Shane Haley’s bucket list?

His parents created a list of family experiences they wanted to share while Jenna was pregnant. Their adventures included zoos, beaches, baseball games, New York City, Philadelphia and other destinations.

What was Prayers for Shane?

Prayers for Shane was the Facebook page created by Shane’s parents to document their pregnancy and family adventures. The page attracted hundreds of thousands of followers and helped spread awareness of Shane’s story.

Where was Shane Haley’s funeral held?

His Funeral Mass was held at St. Laurence Church in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, on October 18, 2014. Visitation took place at Donohue Funeral Home before the Mass.

Where was Shane Michael Haley buried?

Shane was buried at SS Peter & Paul Cemetery. The cemetery is in the Upper Darby area of Pennsylvania.

Was Shane Haley baptized?

Yes. Shane was baptized into the Catholic faith shortly after his birth. His family and a priest were present during the baptism.

How much did Shane weigh at birth?

According to his family’s account, Shane weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces at birth. He was 19 inches long.

Why did Shane Haley become famous?

His story became widely known because his parents created a bucket list for him after learning about his fatal prenatal diagnosis. Media reports and the family’s Facebook page brought the story to a large international audience.

What happened to Shane Haley’s parents?

Shane’s parents continued to share his story after his death and used their experience to discuss the importance of his short life. The available sources do not provide a complete current biography of either parent.

What is Shane Haley remembered for?

Shane is remembered for the impact his brief life had on his family and the people who followed his story. His family’s efforts also helped bring wider attention to anencephaly and pregnancy after a terminal prenatal diagnosis.

Wrap-Up

Shane Michael Haley lived for only a few hours, but the story surrounding his life began months before he was born. After his parents learned that he had anencephaly, they chose to continue the pregnancy and create as many memories as possible with their son.

Their bucket-list journey took Shane, while still in the womb, on family adventures that included beaches, zoos, sporting events and trips around Pennsylvania and New York. Through the Prayers for Shane Facebook page, thousands of people were able to follow the family’s experience.

On October 9, 2014, Shane was born at 2:25 a.m. He was baptized, held by his parents and welcomed by members of his extended family. At approximately 6:05 a.m., he died peacefully in his mother’s arms.

His funeral followed at St. Laurence Church in Upper Darby, and he was buried at SS Peter & Paul Cemetery. His family continued sharing his story, helping make his brief life a source of awareness about anencephaly and the experiences of families facing life-limiting prenatal diagnoses.

Shane’s story remains a reminder that a person’s impact cannot always be measured by the number of years they live. For his parents and the many people who followed their journey, his life represented a deeply loved child whose brief time with his family created memories that lasted far beyond the day he died.