A student at Neshaminy High School in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, has died after contracting meningitis, Neshaminy School District officials said.

Ryan Duffy, a senior at the high school, died Tuesday after falling ill last week, the family said.

The school district sent a letter to parents following Duffy's death that read, in part:

"It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of a member of our school community, Ryan Duffy, who passed away earlier today, October 14, 2025.  Ryan's family has given us permission to share with you that he became suddenly ill late last week and was admitted to the ICU at the hospital. We hold the family in our thoughts and wish them strength in this difficult time. Ryan was diagnosed with Streptococcus Pneumoniae Meningitis."

The district says this type of meningitis is not usually common in a school setting, and the school is working closely with the Bucks County Department of Health to conduct enhanced cleaning.

In the letter to parents, the district also noted that Streptococcus pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that can cause ear infections, sinus infections, pneumonia and meningitis. Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Common symptoms include neck stiffness, severe headache, nausea or vomiting, confusion, and sensitivity to light. 

The district says based on "longstanding public health guidance," students and staff at Neshaminy are not required to take any preventive or special precautions.

There will be a counseling team at the school to provide support for staff and students as they grieve this loss.