María Herranz Gomez dead at 17: Gymnast tragically dies suddenly of meningitis as town left in ‘inconsolable sadness’

A TEENAGE gymnast who performed at the 2023 Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships in Birmingham has died of meningitis.

Spaniard María Herranz Gomez, 17, died in the early hours of this morning at a hospital in the city of Guadalajara an hour’s drive north-east of Madrid.

Her death was confirmed by town hall chiefs in the nearby town of Cabanillas del Campo where the youngster came from.

They said in a statement: “Maria has left us suddenly due to a terrible meningitis that has taken her in just 24 hours, leaving the town in a state of inconsolable sadness.

“Cabanillas del Campo town hall wishes to express its deep pain over this tragic circumstance and sends its most sincere condolences to Maria’s family and friends.

“Especially her parents Raquel and Alfonso, her little brother and her grandparents, uncles and aunts and cousins, many of whom live in the area.”

The statement finished: “Rest in peace Maria. We will remember you always.”

Two days of mourning have been declared and flags on council buildings in the town are flying at half-mast.

Tributes have poured in for Maria, who represented Spain in the synchronised trampoline competition in the age group 17-21.

She was one of nearly 1,000 gymnasts from over 40 counties who competed at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham from November 9th to 19th.

The event was the primary qualification event for the Olympic discipline of Trampoline at the 2024 Paris Games.

Miguel Quesada wrote on Facebook: “A hug to her family and friends.”

Another well-wisher wrote: “How terrible. Her whole life ahead of her and this happens.”

Last month a swimmer who won five medals in three Paralympics died aged just 37.

Brazilian Joana Neves went into cardiac arrest in the early hours of March 18 after being admitted to hospital feeling unwell.

She had travelled to the city of Sao Paulo for tests after suffering fits.

Joana, known affectionately as Peixinha which means Little Fish in English or Joaninha, was born with bone growth disorder achondroplasia that results in dwarfism due to a genetic mutation in the arms and legs.

During her glittering career she won a total of 15 medals in world paralympic swimming championships between 2013 and 2022 after taking up swimming on medical advice as a 10-year-old and starting to compete three years later.

She also took part in three Paralympics, winning two silver and three bronze medals at London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.