Brave teenager Hannah Rye, who attended her school formal with NRL star Trent Hodkinson, dies

A COMMUNITY is mourning a brave teenager, who has tragically died after having her school formal wish come true.

THE brave teen who melted hearts by attending her school formal with NRL star Trent Hodkinson has tragically passed away from cancer.

Friends and family of Hannah Rye were last night mourning the 15-year-old cancer patient who captured the nation when she attended her school formal with Newcastle Knights star Trent Hodkinson.

Students at Kurri Kurri High School were told yesterday their friend had passed away over the weekend.

Newcastle Knights player Trent Hodkinson escorts Hannah to her year 10 formal in June. The 15-year-old Hunter girl has died.

“As you are aware we lost our beautiful Hannah last night. We will all be grieving and I ask for you all to be kind to one another and help support our students and community through this tough time,” the school posted on Facebook.

“If anyone feels they need time out or someone to talk to please see a teacher and ask for help,” the post said.

Local football coach Michael Hurn told The Daily Telegraph Hannah had “inspired” the local community.

“Even when she was very sick she was always smiling,” he said.

Trent Hodkinson taking Hannah Rye, 15, to her high school formal.

On Facebook last night Hannah’s sister Annaliese posted a tribute to her sister writing “I will hold you in my heart until I can hold you in heaven.”

Another friend described Hannah as “one of the kindest and most happiest girls” they had ever met.

Tributes have flowed online.

Last week Hannah’s mother Rachael told The Daily Telegraph they had postponed a family trip to the US because she was too ill to travel.

“Every day we have with her is awesome. We will continue to make every very special moment count,” she said.

Hannah was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma when she was just 13-years-old. She underwent a gruelling intense chemotherapy and had been cleared of active cancer for only five months before the cancer returned.

Terminally ill Hannah and her “knight in shining armour”.

Knight Trent Hodkinson on the pitch.

Originally published as Brave teenager Hannah Rye, who attended her school formal with NRL star Trent Hodkinson, dies