A BLACKBURN schoolgirl has become the fifth member of her family to die suddenly.

St Wilfrid's High School pupil Vicky Dean, 13, of Gib Lane, Hoghton, died on Friday.

She had been brought up by her grandparents after her mother Patricia died after an epileptic fit in 1988, aged 22.

Two years later Patricia's sister Carol, 18, and brother Stephen, 20, died within three months of each other.

Carol collapsed at Blackpool Pleasure Beach while Stephen drowned after collapsing while swimming at Waves in Blackburn.

Then in 1992 their brother Philip, 18, died from a heart condition minutes after "messing around with friends."

A Home Office pathologist said at the time that there may have been some genetic link between the four deaths.

Grandparents Rosanne and Raymond Dean were too upset to speak about the tragedy.

Vicky's friends and teachers at St Wilfrid's have been left distraught by her death.

Teacher Harold Gillibrand said: "As a school we are deeply shocked and distressed following the tragic news about Vicky.

"Our thoughts, prayers and support are with her family and we would like to be involved in the funeral.

"We are providing counselling and support for staff and Vicky's close friends."

A post mortem examination has been carried out and an inquest will be held.