Teenager with flu-like symptoms dies of heart failure

A 17-YEAR-OLD school girl with no apparent history of illness has died of heart failure a week after developing flu-like symptoms.

Teresa Norris, from Tracey Park, Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary, passed away on Monday, less than 12 hours after being hospitalised.

Yesterday, her school principal at Comeragh Vocational School, Patrick Callanan, said Teresa had visited two GPs and the Caredoc service in Clonmel in the days leading up to her death, but had not been admitted to hospital.

“She was in school last Wednesday (February 8) and had flu symptoms. Her teacher suggested she visit the doctor. She went to a GP and was given medication. Her illness remained and she subsequently visited another GP. Then on Sunday she attended Caredoc in Clonmel, but was not hospitalised,” Mr Callanan said.

“Her mother was very worried and called Caredoc again early on Monday morning. At that point, Teresa was sent to St Joseph’s Hospital in Clonmel but she died that evening.”

Mr Callanan said he was not aware that Teresa had any previous history of illness. He said she was a very popular student whose classmates were devastated by her tragic death.

“We are absolutely heartbroken.”

He said Teresa was a talented music student. She was due to sit her Leaving Certificate this year.

As a tribute to her interest in music, her classmates will sing at her funeral Mass today, which takes place at 10.30am at St Nicholas’ Church in Carrick-on-Suir.

Mr Callanan said a poem which Teresa had written for her graduation would be read out at the Mass, where her classmates will perform a guard of honour.

He said that like a lot of girls her age, Teresa was very interested in fashion trends.

“She loved new hairstyles. She had hoped to be a hairdresser. And she loved her jewellery.”

Mr Callanan paid tribute to Teresa’s parents, Eileen and James. Eileen, he said, was a fantastic mother and very involved with the co-ed school, where all six of Teresa’s siblings had been pupils over the years.

Although pupils are on their midterm break, a counselling service is available at the school.

The results of a post mortem into Teresa’s death have not been made public. A spokesperson for the Health Service Executive said her death is a matter for the Coroner’s Court.