Wirral teenager Olivia Rae Clee-Barnett believed to be latest swine flu victim
A MERSEYSIDE teenager is believed to be the latest victim of swine flu.
Olivia Rae Clee-Barnett, 17, from Wirral, died in the early hours of Sunday January 2.
She was the sixth person from Merseyside to lose her fight against the illness.
Shocked friends set up an internet Facebook page to remember Olivia, who attended Wallasey School’s sixth form.
Her family were too devastated to speak last night.
But headteacher Phil Duffy paid tribute to Olivia, describing her as a “very able student”.
He said: “We are devastated by the news about Olivia, whoŠwas a very friendly, popular and positive member of our school.
“She was a very able student with a particular passion for music and theatre.
“We feel this loss deeply and are in close contact with Olivia’s family to support themŠin whatever wayŠwe can.”
He said staff and students affected by the loss will be offered bereavement counselling, adding: “Our hearts go out to Olivia’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”
Olivia was part of a cast from the school involved in a theatre production of Grease which brought them national TV stardom in 2009.
more information Such a tragic way to start the new year, my heart goes out to her family x