Apparently they had to put her in a coma (not sure why),

To help her breathe, most likely. The larynx etc swell up considerably when someone has an asthma attack. Using barbituates to induce the coma helps reduce the swelling and control respiration.

they did say that if she did pull through there could be some brain damage and the family were all hoping that she'd pull through without brain damage but I don't think the family were fully prepared for her not pulling through at all.

Very sad indeed. My condolences.