FFA student dies after getting H1N1

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - An FFA student visiting Indianapolis has died after complications from H1N1.

Lauren Merklein was a 14-year old from Kiowa, Kansas.

She was in Indianapolis for her first FFA convention when she collapsed in her hotel room Friday.

Her mother said medics revived her daughter several times before she was taken to the hospital and then transferred to Riley Hospital for Children.

24-Hour News 8 has learned that Lauren was diagnosed last year with a heart condition.

"She did have a heart problem called ARVD which you can get heart rhythm problems with that,” said Shelly Merklein, Lauren’s mother.

ARVD is described as a genetic, progressive heart condition.

Mrs. Merklein said doctors told her H1N1 may have contributed to her death. After being on life support for two days, Lauren died Sunday at Riley. Her mother said she didn't know of any H1N1 symptoms.

"She really hadn't been very sick. She said maybe she was a little bit achy, but really no big deal and she hadn't been coughing or any other symptoms like that,” said Merklein. “They really didn't suspect that even in the hospital, till she had been in there a day and started getting a really high fever.”

There are dozens of online tributes remembering the young woman who was a freshman and cheerleader at South Barber High School, a small town about 75 miles southwest of Wichita.

"She was the happiest kid you ever met," adds Merklein. "She really loved life and most importantly really loved the Lord. She had a really deep faith. So I know where she is now but I think that God just needed to take her home."

Lauren's two older sisters have heart conditions as well. Mrs. Merklein told 24-Hour News 8 that one daughter is on a defibrillator and doctors told her other daughter she may need a transplant in 5 to 10 years.

Lauren will be laid to rest on Friday.

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The National FFA Organization released a statement regarding Lauren Merklein's passing.

“Our hearts go out to the Merklein family and Lauren’s classmates, teachers and neighbors in Kansas. May those closest to her find comfort in the memories and legacy left by this bright, vibrant young lady,” said Dwight Armstrong, FFA Chief Operating Officer.
Armstrong will be attending Lauren’s funeral on behalf of FFA members and staff.

The statement went on to say; we understand that Lauren's family has indicated that Lauren's death was related to infection with the H1N1 virus. FFA cannot confirm any connection between Lauren's death and H1N1.

Nevertheless, and out of an abundance of caution, FFA today distributed a message to every advisor who attended the convention informing them that we experienced a handful of cases of flu-like symptoms, and have been informed of at least one suspected case of H1N1.

We asked our advisors to ensure that their students and their families closely monitor their health and seek medical treatment if flu symptoms develop.