Father's Tribute to Son Who Died of Meningitis

Lewis Waters

The father of a teenager who died after contracting meningitis has paid an emotional tribute to his “funny, sociable and kind-hearted” son, describing how the 17-year-old developed sepsis within hours of first feeling unwell. Lewis Waters, a sixth-form student at The Henley College, died earlier this week after being rushed to intensive care. In a heartbreaking message shared on social media, his father Sean Waters said the family was struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss.

‘Words can’t describe the heartbreak’

“Within a few hours of feeling a bit ill he developed sepsis and was taken from us,” Sean wrote on Facebook. “He fought hard and was really taken care of by the ICU team but they just couldn’t save him.”

‘We are absolutely devastated’

Describing Lewis as a much-loved teenager with a bright personality, his father said he was “funny, sociable, kind-hearted” and deeply devoted to his family and friends. “He also loved his sisters, friends and family dearly,” he added. “Life won’t be the same for many of us now that he’s gone.”

Two more students being treated

The tragedy comes as two other young people in Berkshire are also being treated for meningitis. The students attend Reading Blue Coat School and Highdown Secondary School and Sixth Form Centre. The UK Health Security Agency said it had identified a social connection linking all three cases and confirmed that close contacts have been offered antibiotics as a precautionary measure. Officials said one case has been confirmed as meningitis B, while further testing is being carried out on the remaining cases.

Schools issue messages of support

In a statement, The Henley College said its “thoughts and sincere condolences are with the student’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time”. Meanwhile, Reading Blue Coat headmaster Pete Thomas described it as “a concerning time for families and the wider community”. “We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of a student at another local school,” he said. Highdown School also confirmed it had shared guidance with parents and students about the symptoms of meningitis.

Symptoms parents should watch for

Doctors are urging families to remain alert, warning that meningitis can become life-threatening very quickly.Common symptoms include:

High fever

Severe headache

Vomiting

Stiff neck

Sensitivity to light

Confusion or drowsiness

Cold hands and feet

Muscle pain

A rash that does not fade under pressure using the “glass test”

Calls grow for wider vaccination rollout

The incident has reignited concerns around meningitis B among young adults, particularly those who were too old to receive the routine MenB vaccine introduced for babies in 2015. Freddie van Mierlo, the Liberal Democrat MP for Henley and Thame, has urged the Government to consider a wider catch-up vaccination programme for teenagers and university-age students. Health officials stressed that the current cases are not linked to the meningitis B outbreak in Kent earlier this year that resulted in two deaths.

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