Brighton and Hove schoolgirl died from asthma attack

A teenage girl from Hove who collapsed at her Brighton school just over a fortnight ago died as the result of an asthma attack.

The pathologist and coroner have told Sussex Police that Naishel Kelly, 14, of Langdale Gardens, Hove, died from natural causes.

She suffered an asthma attack at Brighton College in Eastern Road, Brighton, on Tuesday 3 January, the first day of the new term.

An inquest will not be held because Naishel’s death was as a result of natural causes. Naishel’s parents, Ian and Mariles, have been told. She also leaves a brother, Kian, 7.

After the post-mortem tests had been carried out Amanda Kelly, Naishel’s godmother, said: “Although we are still struggling to believe that Naishel has really gone, it is at least of some help in the midst of our grief to know for certain what caused her to be taken from us so suddenly.

“On the day she died, she seemed so full of life and energy. Yet it appears that her asthma was far worse than any of us thought.

“But it is of enormous comfort to know that her last few months could not have been fuller or happier ones.

“Since passing her common entrance exam to Brighton College in the summer, she had been on school trips to Cornwall and Paris, enjoyed dozens of sleepovers with her friends, visited London on several occasions and spent lots of time with her precious family.

“Naishel was a beautiful girl who brought a smile and a sense of fun to everything she did and we will miss her more than words can say.

“We will never forget her or the incredible love and support shown to us by so many at this sad time.”