Tributes for ‘beautiful’ 23-year-old ‘suddenly and unfairly taken’ by meningococcal disease

Tributes are flowing for a 23-year-old woman who was “suddenly and unfairly taken” after contracting a horrible disease.

A young New Zealand woman has been “suddenly and unfairly taken” after contracting meningococcal disease.

Rebekah May Emmett, 23, died on Monday last week “after a short and hard fight”, her family said in a funeral notice published in Hawke’s Bay Today.

Ms Emmett worked as a senior stylist at Wellington’s Z & Hair Co, which temporarily closed its doors due to the “deeply saddening event”, NZ Herald reports.

“Our beautiful girl was suddenly and unfairly taken from us on May 22, 2023 after a short and hard fight,” her family said.

She was described as a “much loved youngest daughter”, “best friend and sister”, “beloved “granddaughter”, “treasured family member of all her extended family” and “special friend to many”.

“Cherished and adored by all who knew her,” the notice said.

“Thank you to the ICU team at Wellington Hospital for their beautiful care of our daughter. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the SPCA can be left at the service, and would be appreciated.”

Rebekah Emmett died after contracting meningococcal. Picture: Supplied

Originally from Hawke’s Bay on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, Ms Emmett also expressed her Scottish heritage as part of the local Caledonian Pipe Band.

“Rebekah was not only a cherished daughter but also an integral part of our group for many years,” Hawke’s Bay Caledonian Pipe Band pipe major Jarrod Cawood wrote on the group’s Facebook page.

“Her presence and active involvement enriched our community, and her warm personality and infectious enthusiasm touched the lives of many. Whether it was her vibrant smile, her unwavering support, or her genuine care for others, she left an indelible mark on our hearts.”

He added, “Let us remember Rebekah not only for the profound impact she had on our lives but also for the joy, laughter, and love she brought into our community. May her spirit continue to inspire us as we honour her memory and support one another through this challenging time.”

In 2016, Ms Emmett was featured in an article in Hawke’s Bay Today as she switched from highland dancing to drums to compete in the Royal New Zealand Pipe Band Championships.

“The 16-year-old Hastings Girls’ High School student started dancing at age three and has excelled, landing her a place dancing at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo which marched into Wellington’s Westpac Stadium last month,” the local newspaper wrote.

The 23-year-old was ‘suddenly and unfairly taken’. Picture: Facebook

Ms Emmett described it as an “unforgettable experience”.

“I prefer dancing because I started so young, it’s a big part of my life, [but drumming also tied into the bigger scheme of things],” she said at the time.

A celebration of her life is being held in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay on Monday.

New Zealand’s Meningitis Foundation described the death as an “absolute tragedy”, urging Wellingtonians to be aware of the symptoms of the deadly and contagious illness and to get vaccinated if they can.

Meningitis Foundation chairman Gerard Rushton called on the government to make access to both meningococcal vaccines, as well as the pneumococcal vaccine, free for all young people under 25.

In New Zealand, meningococcal vaccines are free for all children up to 12 months old, and for people aged 13 to 25 who are entering into or in their first year of specified close-living situations such as university.

The Foundation encouraged all eligible people, particularly to first-year students living on-campus, to seek immediate vaccination for both meningococcal B and the ACW&Y strains of the disease.

‘Cherished and adored by all who knew her.’ Picture: Facebook

“We need to drive uptake immediately to protect our [young people],” Mr Rushton said in a statement on Friday. “There are many eligible people who don’t know that they have free access to both the vaccines for ACW&Y, and for meningococcal B.”

Mr Rushton stressed that every second counts with meningococcal meningitis as people can quickly deteriorate.

The symptoms of meningococcal meningitis in adults and children are a stiff, sore neck, sensitivity to light or a dislike of bright lights, severe headache, difficulty waking or a drowsy, confused state, a fever, sometimes accompanied by cold hands and feet, aching sore joints, vomiting, and convulsive fits or seizures.

“Trust your instincts — if you suspect meningitis, our recommendation is to seek medical help immediately,” Mr Rushton said. “It’s much better to be safe and overly cautious.”

Health New Zealand’s Dr Craig Thorley on Friday described the death as a tragedy and said the agency sent its condolences to the family.

“Out of respect to them we will not be releasing any further information on this death,” he said.

Dr Thorley said Health New Zealand had followed up with everyone who had contact with the patient, including family members, and was satisfied there was no further health risk.

“I would strongly encourage those who are eligible to get their vaccinations for the extra protection, whether that is at your tertiary medical centre or general practice,” he added.

Earlier this month, two fathers from Melbourne revealed their heartbreak after their miracle baby Owen passed away due to meningococcal disease, just one week after celebrating his first birthday.

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Originally published as Tributes for ‘beautiful’ 23-year-old ‘suddenly and unfairly taken’ by meningococcal disease