Sara Manitoski died during a school camping trip. Based on the report by the BC Coroners Service, the death of the 16-year old Courtenay resident Sara Manitoski is due to toxic shock syndrome.
The toxicology test came out negative for alcohol, illicit and prescription drugs. The grade 11 student was with fellow students during an overnight field trip at the Outdoor Education Centre in Tribune Bay Provincial Park.
Blood-related ailment
Based on the coroner’s report, Manitoski complained during the activities of feeling sick and experiencing cramping.
At around 7 AM, the other students in the cabin went out for breakfast. Upon returning to the cabin, they heard Manitoski’s alarm sounding.
Based on the report, Sara did not turn her alarm off. One student checked her and found her to be unresponsive. The students immediately informed the teachers and emergency services as called. The teachers performed bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Upon the arrival of the paramedics, they took over with CPR but could not restore the vital signs and resuscitation attempts were discontinued.
Based on the initial examination, there is increased redness of the skin on the upper arms, neck, upper chest, lower abdomen, and medial thighs. The tests conducted on a tampon identified Staphylococcus aureus. Both findings are consistent with a diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome.
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