19-year-old Courtney Partridge-McLennan dies from asthma attack caused by bushfire smoke

Courtney Partridge-McLennan, 19, dies from asthma attack caused by bushfire smoke

Her family said 'our lives changed forever' - by Kathryn Lewsey

A family has been left devastated after the death of Courtney Partridge-McLennan, who suffered an asthma attacked believed to be caused by the bushfire smoke.

The 19-year-old from Glen Innes, NSW, died on the night of November 28, when smoke from fires were near her home.

Courtney Partridge-McLennan, 19, dies from asthma attack caused by bushfire smoke

It’s reported by The Sunday Telegraph that her body was found the next morning in the granny flat she was living in at the back of her parents Chris and Tammy’s home.

Asthma Australia shared the tragic news on their Facebook page, writing, ‘Courtney lost her life in late November when bushfire smoke from nearby fires is thought to have triggered a fatal asthma attack during the night.

‘Tammy, Chris and Courtney’s sister, Cherylleigh, don’t want her passing to go unnoticed against the backdrop of these fires. They wish to raise awareness of the seriousness of asthma, the risks to people with asthma and the dangers of bushfire smoke, so no one else has to go through what they’re experiencing.’

Cherylleigh Partidge, 27, told The Sunday Telegraph that the night her sister died ‘the smoke came in so heavy you could not even see the hospital across the road.’

Saeed Khan/Getty

She added, ‘Police said it must have been quick because she had her phone touch on and her Ventolin [inhaler] on the bed. It must have been so quick because she would have gone to mum and dad.’

Ms Partridge-McLennan’s family told Yahoo News Australia, ‘our lives changed forever with the sudden and shocking passing of Courtney.

‘Our hope is that an ongoing conversation now begins about the seriousness and often unpredictable nature of asthma. Asthma can set on quickly and aggressively and often without warning.’

Bushfires continue to rage throughout Australia and has so far killed 27 people.

Millions of dollars have been raised to help Australia, with burns survivor Turia Pitt even creating a platform to help local businesses affected.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Clarkson caused outrage last week when he said God is 'embarrassed' by Australia, 'because he's decided to set fire to it.'

Kathryn Lewsey

Kathryn is a Senior Features Writer for that's life! magazine. Her work has been published in The Sun, Daily Mail, Chat, Closer, Kidspot, Real People, Take a Break and MarieClaire.com.au

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