The devastated family of a 19-year-old student who died suddenly from meningitis said she was a "rare combination of beauty and brains".

Halle O'Brien died on January 27, hours after she fell ill at university.

The teenager, from Litherland, was rushed to the Royal Liverpool Hospital but sadly died a short time later.

At an inquest into her death today a coroner ruled Halle died from Group A streptococcal septicaemia, which caused her to contract meningitis.

Halle was studying English at Edge Hill University when she died. Her proud family said she had been achieving firsts in her degree course.

Describing her as "incredibly beautiful, sweet and intelligent" her heartbroken family told how their daughter had dreamed of going to university and had set her sights on becoming a teacher.

Halle O'Brien died on January 27 after contracting meningitis

While studying she also met her fiancé Edward Rooney, who in a heartfelt tribute described her as a "true enigma and gem".

In a touching tribute her grief stricken family - including mum Heather and dad Michael - told the ECHO: "Halle had achieved everything she had set out to at her young age so far.

"She was getting firsts on her university course, making her family proud and was in a loving relationship.

"Halle was a true enigma, a gem.

Symptoms of meningitis

Symptoms of meningitis, septicaemia and meningococcal disease include:

  • a high temperature
  • cold hands and feet
  • vomiting
  • confusion
  • breathing quickly
  • muscle and joint pain
  • pale, mottled or blotchy skin
  • spots or a rash
  • headache
  • a stiff neck
  • a dislike of bright lights
  • being very sleepy or difficult to wake
  • fits (seizures)
  •  

Someone with meningitis, septicaemia or meningococcal disease can get a lot worse very quickly.

Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E if you think you or your child might be seriously ill.

Call NHS 111 or your GP surgery for advice if you're not sure if it's anything serious.

"To be remembered for the incredible impact she had upon everybody she was in contact with and she set an incredible example of how to be a young woman.

"She was a rare combination of beauty and brains, however humble to it all.

"Halle was unique."

The family also told the ECHO how Halle had been given the meningococcal vaccine but still contracted the deadly disease.

The ECHO previously reported Halle O'Brien died from a suspected drug overdose after guidance from Merseyside Police.

At her inquest her death was recorded by Coroner Andre Robello as "natural causes".

Addressing her grieving family in court today, Mr Robello said it was not possible to say whether Halle's death could have been avoided.

Halle's grandmother described her as "beautiful"

He also urged the family to remember "loving memories of Halle" rather than remember her with sadness.

He said: "This was clearly a typical septicemic illness and Halle died of natural causes.

"It was a fatal streptococcal infection and you can't say [going back in time] it could have been avoided.

"The young lady who died will have, in her life, have had far more joyful, happy and loving memories than sadness.

"It is really important to talk about her, share photos of her and reinforce those memories.

"Celebrate her life and don't let her death overshadow that."

For more information on meningitis click here.

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