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‘Fit and healthy’ young footballer, 16, dies of sepsis after developing fever on Christmas Day

By 3 Mins Read

A ‘fit and healthy’ teenage footballer has died from sepsis after she developed a fever on Christmas Day. 

Orla Taylor, 16 from Turriff in Aberdeenshire, felt unwell during the run-up to the festive period before she was rushed to hospital twice between Christmas and New Year.

The talented footballer, who coached and played for local youth team Turriff United, was diagnosed with flu which caused a respiratory infection that developed into sepsis.

After Orla was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on New Year’s Eve where doctor’s put the youngster into a medical coma to try and treat her condition. 

Tragically she passed away on the afternoon of New Year’s Day.

In words reported by the Daily Record, her father – Scott – said the family ‘never dreamt for one moment we lose her’.

He said: ‘By Hogmanay she was much worse so we called for emergency help. We are so incredibly grateful to the nurse practitioner and paramedics who immediately began treating Orla, believing it to be sepsis.

Paying tribute to his daughter, Scott said the family will ‘treasure memories of her’. 

Orla Taylor (pictured), 16, from Turriff in Aberdeenshire felt unwell during the run-up to the festive period before she was rushed to hospital twice between Christmas and New Year

Orla, who coached and played for local youth team Turriff United,  was a talented footballer.  In a tribute, her club said 'words could not describe' how they were all feeling

Orla, who coached and played for local youth team Turriff United,  was a talented footballer.  In a tribute, her club said ‘words could not describe’ how they were all feeling

In words reported by the Daily Record, Orla’s father – Scott – said the family ‘never dreamt for one moment we lose her’

He added that the ‘weight of grief on everyone is immeasurable’. 

Orla had just left school last summer and was reportedly looking forward to her uniformed service course to join the army. 

In a tribute, her club Turriff United, said ‘words could not describe’ how they were all feeling.

They said: ‘Orla was a vibrant young player who played such an important role in our girls section over the years. She had a smile on her face for everyone and a great role model for our younger players.’

What is sepsis? 

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused when the body releases chemicals to fight an infection.

These chemicals damage the body’s own tissues and organs and can lead to shock, organ failure and death. 

Organ failure and death are more likely if sepsis is not recognized early and treated immediately.

Sepsis infects an estimated 123,000 Brits every year.  

The symptoms can look like gastro or flu and can become deadly, rapidly.

The six major signs of something potentially deadly can be identified by the acronym ‘SEPSIS’:

  • Slurred speech or confusion, lethargy, disorientation
  • Extreme shivering or muscle pain, fever or low temperature
  • Pressing a rash doesn’t make it fade
  • Severe breathlessness, rapid breathing
  • Inability to pass urine for several hours 
  • Skin that’s mottled or discoloured  

Children may also show convulsions or fits, and a rash that doesn’t fade when you press it – and more than 40 per cent of cases occur in children under five. 

Anyone who develops these symptoms should seek medical help urgently — and ask doctors: ‘Could this be sepsis?’   The early symptoms of sepsis can be easily confused with more mild conditions, making it difficult to diagnose. 

A high temperature (fever), chills and shivering, a fast heartbeat and rapid breathing are also indicators. 

A patient can rapidly deteriorate if sepsis is missed early on, so quick diagnosis and treatment is vital – yet this rarely happens. 

In the early stages, sepsis can be mistaken for a chest infection, flu or upset stomach. 

It is most common and dangerous in older adults, pregnant women, children younger than one, people with chronic conditions or those who have weakened immune systems.   

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