A Rhode Island high school soccer player who suddenly fell ill last month and developed a dangerous blood infection has died.
The principal of Toll Gate High School in Warwick said in an email to parents that 16-year-old junior goalkeeper Gianna Cirella died at the hospital Wednesday night.
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Gianna, the daughter of East Greenwich Deputy Police Chief Stanley Cirella, developed a sore throat at practice on Oct. 13, which quickly led to pneumonia and sepsis.
Toll Gate Principal Candace Caluori said Gianna "fought valiantly for the past two weeks to overcome overwhelming obstacles."
Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian said on behalf of the entire city "I offer my heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Gianna's family, her teammates, and friends as they grieve."
