Tributes to talented teenager – the latest victim of swine flu - Mirror.co.uk

CLASSMATES and teachers have paid tribute to a talented and popular sixth-former who has become the latest victim of suspected swine flu.

Tragically, Olivia Rae Clee-Barnett, 17 – who was known to her friends as "Livvy" – died in the early hours on Sunday.

The bubbly blonde's singing and dancing abilities helped her school beat 500 others to win the Sky TV contest Grease: The School Musical, in 2009.

The prize for the winning cast was getting to perform the show at the Novello Theatre in London's West End.

Shocked friends have set up a Facebook page to remember Olivia.

Her heartbroken family are too devastated to speak about their loss. But Phil Duffy, the headteacher at Wallasey School, Wirral, Merseyside, yesterday paid tribute to a "very able student".

Mr Duffy said: "We are devastated by the news about Olivia, who was a very friendly, popular and positive member of our school.

"She was a very able student with a particular passion for music and theatre. We feel this loss deeply and are in close contact with Olivia's family to support them in whatever way we can."

Advertisement - article continues below »

Mr Duffy said that teaching staff and students affected by the loss will be offered bereavement counselling.

He added: "Our hearts go out to Olivia's family and friends at this difficult time."

More than 1,000 people had joined the Facebook page within the first 24 hours of it being launched. One friend posted a picture of the pretty teenager with a moving message to the pal she knew as "Livvy".

The message said: "She was gorgeous, she had friends, a family and a boyfriend who all love her very much.

"She was smart and extremely talented at singing, acting, dancing and creative writing. She was a brilliant friend.

"She'll be 17 for ever now. She'll never grow old or get grey hairs or wrinkles. She'll always be beautiful. We'll never forget you Livvy. You're one of a kind."

Olivia, who was believed to be ­asthmatic, died in Arrowe Park hospital, Wirral. The hospital has now been closed to visitors in an attempt to halt the spread of swine flu.