October 26, 2009

A small Kansas community is mourning the sudden loss of a high school student, who died far from home after coming down with the H1N1 flu virus.

Fourteen-year-old Lauren Merklein died Sunday in an Indianapolis, Indiana hospital. The South Barber High School freshman was there for a school trip when she collapsed in her hotel room Friday. She was taken to the hospital where she remained in critical condition the rest of the weekend.

"It just kind of came on all the sudden. She showed no symptoms of it," said School Superintendent Brad Morris.

While Merklein did have an existing heart condition, her sudden death is tragic for for her fellow classmates. With only 70 students in the school, everyone is really close. She was a cheerleader, member of the Future Farmers of America, in the band and vocals and was also on the Principal's honor roll.

"She loved life. She had a very strong faith. She was just the leader and people just loved to be around her because she makes you feel just wonderful," said Morris.

Morris says this is the first reported case of H1N1 in this school system. Grief counselors were at the school Monday morning to help students.