A teen soccer player’s death left a Rhode Island community stunned, according to reports.
Gianna Cirella, 16, first had what appeared to be a sore throat in October, but it later became apparent that it was much worse.
Days after the symptoms, she was hospitalized and doctors told her that her limbs might be amputated. The sore throat actually had been a blood infection.
“She passed peacefully with Tara, Cassie and me by her side,” East Greenwich Deputy Police Chief Stanley Cirella said, according to the Journal.
“I couldn’t believe what I was hearing,” Lonna Razza, Cirella’s coach, told the Journal. “It was shocking – absolutely shocking – that it came on so quickly.”
The GoFundMe page had more details about Gianna’s personality. “If you asked any of Gianna’s family or friends, they would be the first to tell you that she is one of the most charismatic people you will ever meet,” it says. “She has a unique sense of humor, and wherever she goes, an abundance of laughs follow. She is a devoted friend, student, and athlete, and is considered as family to many.”
Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian released a statement on the girl’s death.
“It was with profound sadness that I learned last night of Gianna’s passing,” the mayor said. “Even as so many in our community have been reeling from the suddenness with which she was stricken, the tremendous outpouring of support for Gianna and her family in recent weeks has been a testament to how deeply she was loved.”
