AddThis SmartLayers

Journalism student dies of suspected meningitis at 21

Tributes have been paid after a journalism student died suddenly of suspected meningitis at the age of 21.

Craig White, left, was a keen sports writer in the final year of a journalism degree at the University of Lincoln but died last week at Boston Pilgrim Hospital after becoming ill.

It is thought he may have contracted meningitis, although a post-mortem has not yet confirmed the cause of death.

His brother Alex said Craig, who had Crohn’s Disease, had been taken ill the week before his death on 12 December.

He told the Boston Target: “Craig went out for a meal on the Wednesday night and was fine but overnight he became unwell.

“He was still unwell on the Friday when his dad went into his bedroom. He was confused and could not get his words out. He was taken to Pilgrim Hospital where he remained until his death.

“We never expected this to happen and we are all devastated by it. The family have lots of great memories that will stay with us forever.”

Craig was a passionate Manchester City fan and wrote a sports blog, while he also worked occasionally on the university’s radio station Siren FM.

Alex added: “He was in good health other than having Crohn’s Disease.

“He also had headaches on and off in the weeks leading up to his death but we don’t know if these were linked. One of the side affects of the pills he took for Crohn’s Disease was headaches.

“It has not yet been confirmed but it is suspected he had meningitis.”

A University of Lincoln spokesman said: “We were extremely upset to hear of Craig’s death and our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends.

“Craig was in the final year of his degree and was a well-known and much-loved student in the Lincoln School of Journalism. His loss will be sorely felt.”