School mourns student ‘killed by meningitis’ just after exams

 
John Dunne @jhdunne21 June 2013

A school is in shock after a student who had just finished his A-level exams died of suspected meningitis.

Chris Mapletoft became seriously unwell last Tuesday morning and died later that day.

The head teacher of independent Hampton School in west London said staff and pupils were devastated.

Barry Martin added: “News of the death of a much loved and admired student, with a very bright future ahead of him, has shocked and saddened our school community.

“Our hearts go out to his family and our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time. We are doing all we can to support them.

“All at the school are still trying to come to terms with the news of this tragic death.” Parents and pupils were told the sad news on Wednesday and were then given information about meningitis, which is the suspected cause of the teenager’s death.

Mr Martin said: “We understand that the exact cause has not yet been established. However, we have taken advice from Public Health England, which is treating this as a suspected case of meningococcal disease.

“No one else at the school is being treated for the disease and we have been advised that it is very rare for further connected cases to occur.”

Students and members of staff at the school have been offered counselling after the death of the popular pupil, who was a budding rugby centre.

He was awarded player of the tournament in the Jack Chester memorial competition for 12 teams from eight schools, which the Hampton side won last year. Tributes from friends poured in on Twitter. Joshua Finn Weddle said: “It was good to know Chris Mapletoft while I could. A great man and teammate. Simply a shame he hadn’t the chance to live a fuller life.”

Ben Lewis-Clare said: “Never woken up to more desperately sad news. Goodbye my friend.” Ravi Patel said: “I’m still in shock, you were such a great guy and had so much to offer. You will be missed dearly.”

Dan Fryer said: “RIP Chris Mapletoft you were a great friend. Thoughts are with your family x.”

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