A teenager has died only a day after she called her mother to complain of flu-like symptoms.
19-year-old Jessie Melcolm, a freshman student at Tallahassee Community College, was found unresponsive in her apartment on Tuesday (November 6).
The former cheerleading captain from Florida was immediately rushed to hospital where she later died.
As reported by Action News Jax, the day before her unexpected death, Melcolm had rang her mother to complain of a headache and sore throat.
When Jessie’s mum had received no response to her messages by the next day, she asked a friend to check in on her daughter at the apartment.
The District 2 Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed a preliminary cause of death has not yet been determined but foul play is not suspected.
Family and friends are said to be baffled by the news, wondering what could have happened to the young and active cheerleader who also competed at state level in gymnastics at the Jacksonville Academy.
While the Health Department awaits the autopsy reports, they could not comment on the investigation.
Authorities have stated there are no initial signs of an overdose or meningitis which can kill within 24 hours of contracting the disease.
Dr. Sunil Joshi, Director of the Duval County Medical Foundation suggested Melcolm may have died as a result of a haemorrhage or aneurysm.
He explained:
Well if it’s not that, then an acute headache that leads to death within minutes or hours, you think about a hemorrhage or an aneurysm.
Jessie’s friends and family have been receiving messages of support as people remember the teenager, paying tribute to her online.
The Creeks Baseball Club, where Melcolm’s father and brother are coaches, asked people to donate to a care package they are going to send to the family.
On their website, the club wrote:
The Melcolm family is such a large part of the CBC family! We have been overwhelmed at the outpouring of love and offers of support for Coach Rusty, Coach Reed, and Coach Fitzpatrick’s family.
A care package, including food and various gift cards, is being assembled. If you would like to donate, please click on the PayPal link below. Any extra funds will be donated to the Melcolm family.
Jessie’s friend, Kennedy Whitsell, posted an emotional tribute on Facebook sharing photos of the two of them together, writing:
I woke up this morning still in shock of the loss of our sweet girl. Jessie was such an influential individual in my life.
She had a way to brighten your day every time you saw her. Please join me in praying for the Melcolm family in this time of tragedy.
I still cannot seem to wake up from this dream, love you too much Jessie Girl, my forever guardian angel.
Melcolm’s family will be hosting a gathering to celebrate Jessie’s life, November 17.
Our thoughts are with Jessie’s friends and family during this difficult time.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
