Heartbreak as A-level student, 18, dies from meningitis – ‘beyond devastated’ | UK | News
Tributes have been paid to the “incredibly kind, thoughtful and intelligent” year 13 student who died following a meningitis outbreak in Kent.
Juliette Kenny, 18, who attended Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, Kent, died on Saturday following the outbreak, which killed one more person and sent 11 people to hospital.
Their father said they were left “beyond devastated and had no words to express their loss.”
Juliette’s heartbroken grandmother Linda Kenny also told the Daily Mail: “I can’t bring myself to say anything or I’ll cry. We’re all on antibiotics because we were in hospital together when Juliette passed away.”
Amelia McIlroy, headteacher at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, confirmed the death of one of the school’s Year 13 students.
She said: “Juliette had been a student at our school for seven years. She was incredibly kind, thoughtful and intelligent, loved our school and was very happy there. Juliette embraced everything the school had to offer with great enthusiasm and enjoyment, her humor and positivity were charming.
“She was a truly caring and attentive listener, a true friend who listened to her colleagues and staff with warmth, respect and genuine concern. In short, she was a lovely girl; her beautiful smile, loving nature and sense of fun will be greatly missed. We are all devastated. Our love and thoughts are with her family and friends at this terrible time.”
They described their concerns as they queued for antibiotics at the university campus in Motudents. The specific type of meningitis has not yet been determined.
A few students wore face masks, and staff handed out more to those waiting. Two teenage brothers said they were horrified after going to a party hosted by a friend who is currently hospitalized with meningitis.
Matthew McDonagh, 16, and his brother Luca, 17, were at a party in Whitstable, Kent, on Saturday with a person diagnosed with the infection. He said: “It’s pretty scary. Like, I can’t believe it. It’s so crazy… Totally unbelievable. I never thought it would happen again.” [after Covid]. “We were told that we don’t even know if the pill they gave you will actually help us.”
The headteacher of Simon Langton Boys’ Grammar School also wrote to parents saying that one of his Year 13 students had been hospitalized with meningitis. An update sent to parents at Norton Knatchbull School in Ashford, Kent, confirmed the diagnosis of the year 13 pupil who was hospitalised.
The letter read: “We are writing to inform you following our previous communication regarding the student who was hospitalized with suspected meningitis in the 13th grade. We have been informed that the diagnosis has been confirmed and the student is receiving treatment at the appropriate hospital.”
