A popular high school teacher who died suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday, had been suffering from flu-like symptoms for several days before her death, it has been revealed.
Domanique O’Reilly, 36, who taught at John Paul College at Kalgoorlie, in south-east Western Australia, had been off work with the symptoms, when the school received news of her death.
Ms O’Reilly, had also been hoping to return to work by Wednesday, but instead lost her life, causing shock throughout the school community.
The much-loved physical education teacher had only been working at the private school for a year, Perth Now reported.
Domanique O’Reilly, 36 (pictured), worked as a teacher at John Paul College at Kalgoorlie, in south-east Western Australia, before she passed away on Thursday
The mother-of-two is understood to have been suffering flu-like symptoms, according to 7news.
Perth Now reported that the popular teacher’s death remains a mystery and will remain so until a coroner’s investigation is completed.
Dr Charles Douglas of WA Country Health Service noted there was no indication a killer strain had infected Kalgoorlie.
‘While we’ve identified a rise in the number of influenza cases in Kalgoorlie in recent weeks, this isn’t an unusual occurrence for the colder months and signals the start of flu season,’ he said.
The much-loved physical education teacher had only been working at the private school for a year, though had become unwell in the last few days
Australia is facing its worst flu season since 2009 and the winter season hasn’t even begun.
There have been 57,761 notifications for influenza since the start of 2019, which is a drastic increase compared to previous years.
There have been 139 deaths this year as a result of influenza.
Mrs O’Reilly had established herself as a respected teacher with 13 years in the workforce behind her.
The 36-year-old had also taught students in the school’s vocational education and training program.
Principal Bradley Hall noted that Ms O’Reilly had passed away suddenly and unexpectedly after feeling unwell.
Principal Bradley Hall noted that Mrs O’Reilly had passed away suddenly and unexpectedly
Being such a large presence in her school, the news of her death has rocked the community.
Counselling has been offered to students while friends of the family launched a GoFundMe campaign.
‘Dom is a beautiful, full of life and caring soul who was always there for others and now it’s time to give back to her and her family,’ the page read.
More than $1,300 has already been raised to help support Mrs O’Reilly’s family during the tough time.
More than $1,300 has already been raised to help support Mrs O’Reilly’s family during the tough time
‘These funds will go towards not only her funeral arrangements but to the daily living of her husband Nathan and family and to help support her 2 young children, Brax and Charli, with their life and education, something so important to Dom being a teacher herself.’
Friends have flocked to the online fundraiser to share their condolences with the family.
‘Our amazing Dom!’ one person said.
‘We don’t have the words to tell you how shocked and saddened we are by this absolutely heart breaking news!
‘You were one in an absolute million, one of the very best! Our worlds will never be the same without you, your sunshine spirit, passion for life, unconditional love and sassiness!!’
Another person said: ‘Dom was a friend of my daughter and I watched her grow into a beautiful young woman and mother. My deepest sympathies to her husband, babies and family.’