Oxford college closes after freak coincidence sees two students die within 48 hours

Sundeep Watts died from meningitis a day after Olly Tucker suffered a fatal heart attack playing hockey.

Both were students at the university's Exeter College.

College rector Frances Cairncross said: "Exeter College is devastated by the deaths of Sundeep Watts and Harcourt ("Olly") Tucker."

She said the college had been closed to the public while students grieve.

"Our hearts go out to their families and friends. The deaths are entirely unconnected. Sundeep Watts was diagnosed on Saturday with meningitis."

Sundeep, a first-year student, died soon after being taken to John Radcliffe hospital.

The historic college - where fantasy author J. R. R. Tolkien, playwright Alan Bennett and athelete Roger Bannister studied - has taken advice from the public health authorities following confirmation of the meningitis.

It is continuing to operate and students have not moved out.

The rector said other students "are not at any increased risk".

"Public health information suggests that it is preferable for students to remain in Oxford rather than to return home early.

"College doctors and medical authorities are extremely alert to signs of meningitis. Exeter College is in very close touch with its students and their parents and is keeping all informed.

"It has reinforced knowledge of the warning symptoms of meningitis. It has also arranged counselling for anyone who requires it."

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Around 350 people die of meningitis in Britain every year.

It is so dangerous because it strikes very quickly, causing someone to become very seriously ill within hours, leading to death or serious disability if left untreated.

It happens when the lining of the brain and spinal cord - the meninges - become inflamed as the result of an infection.

There are three forms of the disease - bacterial, viral and fungal. By far the most dangerous is the bacterial form, which kills about 10 per cent of those affected. Another 15 per cent will suffer brain damage, deafness or amputation.

The disease mainly affects children. Those under five years of age, teenagers and young adults up to the age of 24 are most at risk. It can be particularly dangerous on student campuses.

Symptoms include violent or severe headache, high temperature and fever, vomiting, neck stiffness, coldness, aversion to bright light, drowsiness, joint pains and a rash of red or purple spots which look like bruising under the skin.