Atlanta Mourns the Passing of Marist Senior Helen Wamey

On Tuesday, September 28, seventeen-year-old Helen Wamey was heading off to another day at The Marist School as normal. As the school day progressed, Helen began to feel ill with a high fever, according to an Instagram post from a family friend, and was sent home by the school’s nurse. Helen’s mother took her daughter to the Emergency Room at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), and they were instructed to try and treat the fever with Tylenol. The next morning, September 29, Helen’s fever had not improved at all, and she returned to CHOA, where her heart stopped and she passed away. According to the family source, an autopsy confirmed that Helen died of Neisseria Meningitis, a rare and dangerous form. It is unknown how she contracted the disease. 

The news of the beloved student’s death spread like wildfire via social media and word of mouth. Teenagers from all corners of Atlanta posted pictures of Helen’s smiling brightly and accompanied posts with heartfelt captions, describing her as a dear friend and adored member of the community. Close friends, who seem to have called her “Wams,” shared lighthearted anecdotes and all the things that made Helen, Helen. In a GoFundMe created to support her single mother, the family wrote, “Helen was an Honors student, with almost perfect SAT scores, who although lived a very brief life, left an indelible impact in her community and all those around her.” The GoFundMe also said Helen was a proud cheerleader for Marist and dancer at Footnotes Dance & Acrobatics. 

Helen Wamey only lived for seventeen years, but the outpouring of love and support from not just her community but those who never met her demonstrates the impact she had. Her spirit will forever be remembered. 

The Elliott sends strength and healing to Helen’s loved ones during this tragic time. You can donate to her family’s GoFundMe here. 

By Annie Levy