Dance teacher, 26, dies suddenly just hours after falling ill
A dance teacher has died of suspected meningococcal disease after falling ill less than a day before.
Kelsey Davidson, 26, founded Radical Step Dance Studio in Fendalton, New Zealand.
According to Stuff.co.nz, Ms Davidson was teaching classes just the day before she died on September 26.
The region’s public health team have reportedly offered antibiotics to Ms Davidson’s close contacts to help prevent them from developing the disease.
According to the Radical Step Dance Studio website, the studio was originally called Zed Creek and was founded by Ms Davidson in 2012.
“Kelsey prides herself as a promoter of our new and dynamic city of Christchurch,” the website reads.
“[She] has a love for the outdoors with her main passion being snow skiing, which leads her to explore the unique parts of New Zealand and exotic locations around the world.”
Friends of Kelsey have been able to pay tribute to her through an online guest book.
“Kelsey sparkled,” one person said, addressing the message to Kelsey’s parents.
“She achieved so much with her dancing. We all had many fun times and laughter with Kelsey.”
“A great role model to all the kids at Radical Step including my daughters. She brightened everyone's day. Truly classy person,” another person wrote.
Ms Davidson’s family confirmed her death on September 30, when they uploaded a death notice, where they also confirmed her funeral would be held on October 2.
“On September 26, 2019, taken from us after a day's illness, aged 26 years,” the notice reads.
“Kelsey, our sparkle, our joy, our all the world.”
According to Health NSW, meningococcal disease is caused by a bacterial infection and early treatment “is vital”.
Health NSW also says people who contract the disease can become unwell very quickly.
There are vaccinations available in Australia to prevent meningococcal disease.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter, download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo’s daily newsletter. Sign up here.
