Girl (17) dies after becoming ill in Donegal nightclub

Girl was socialising in Letterkenny when she felt unwell and was taken to hospital

A town is in shock after the sudden death of a 17- year-old Leaving Cert pupil.

Tory Johnston collapsed at a local nightclub in Co Donegal in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Hours later she was pronounced dead at nearby Letterkenny General Hospital.

The exact circumstances surrounding the death of the student are still not known.

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Eye-witnesses said she suffered a number of episodes of what appeared to be seizures.

A full post mortem examination of Tory’s remains were expected to be carried out late on Wednesday night.

Tory was out socialising with friends at the Voodoo nightlcub at Main Street in Letterkenny.

It is understood she collapsed and was brought outside the premises by security staff and placed on a bench for some air.

An ambulance was called but it is understood that Tory appeared to be feeling okay again.

However minutes later it is believed she took another seizure and was rushed to Letterkenny General Hospital.

She died just after 6.30am at the hospital.

Tory was one of two daughters to well-known local couple Sammy and Helen Johnston.

Herself and younger sister Amy were said to be very close.

The family live at Bomany just a couple of miles outside Letterkenny and are well-known and liked in the community.

Friends described Tory as a very ‘outgoing but sensible’ girl.

She was about to go into sixth year at Loreto Convent in Letterkenny to complete her Leaving Cert and had been made a Prefect.

The Mayor of Letterkenny, Cllr Gerry McMonagle said his thoughts and prayers and that of the entire community were with the young family.

“It is simply a tragedy. You send children out and you think they’re safe but you just never know. It’s so sad,” he said.

Gardaí have held a case conference to discuss the death but are making no further comment at this stage.

They are expected to interview a number of people including those who may have been socialising with Tory before her sudden death.

The results of any toxicology report should be known shortly.

The funeral will take place on Sunday at St Eunans Cathedral in Letterkenny with burial afterwards at Conwal Cemetery.