Teen's death puts strain on students

Students and staff are struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of a 17-year-old described as positive and focused on getting her NCEA.

It is understood Gabrielle Marjorie Meyrick, from Masterton, had had a recent falling-out with friends before her death on Sunday.

The community is still recovering from four sudden deaths of teenagers within three months last year, including a former student of Gabrielle's school, Makoura College.

The deaths resulted in a town meeting held at the school in an attempt to prevent further tragedies.

Principal Tom Hullena told the Herald he informed students of the death on Monday after speaking with Gabrielle's family.

"She was doing well and she seemed to be very positive around the school in terms of her attitude in class, so it was huge surprise to hear of her sudden death," Mr Hullena said.

The teenager, affectionately known as Gabby, was in Year 12 and studying towards her NCEA Level 2.

On a Facebook tribute page, a message read: "Nobody knows why she did this, yeah she was bullied, she has been through so much throughout her life."

Mr Hullena said the school had not been informed of any bullying.

"I think there might have been a couple of relationship breakdowns recently, in terms of friends, and words might have been said."

Mr Hullena said the college, which has a roll of about 300, was very proactive in picking up bullying and there were clear processes in place to deal with it.

The school was offering counselling for students affected by Gabrielle's death and was operating alongside the Ministry of Education and social services from the Wairarapa region, he said.

WHERE TO GET HELP

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