Lucas Martin, a 21-year-old graduate from England, tragically died on September 12, 2023, less than a week after he first began feeling unwell. A recent University of Liverpool international business graduate, Lucas’s family initially believed he was suffering from freshers’ flu — a common illness among students. Sadly, it was later revealed that he had meningitis.
Lucas first complained of headaches and feverish symptoms, which his family thought were mild. His brother, Connor, told the BBC that “we just thought it was freshers’ flu,” adding that only knowledge of meningitis might have changed the outcome.
In the days before hospitalization, Lucas spent much of his time resting in his room, with his family assuming he was recovering. He didn’t show the classic meningitis symptoms like light sensitivity or a rash, which made it harder to identify the danger.
“He just had flu-like symptoms,” Connor explained, recalling how his brother’s health seemed to fluctuate. The family never suspected the seriousness of his illness until it was too late.
When Lucas’s father, Brett, called him five days after symptoms began, he noticed his son struggling to speak. Concerned, Lucas’s uncle was sent to check on him at their Isle of Man home, where he found Lucas in critical condition.
He was rushed to the hospital and placed in an induced coma, but tragically never regained consciousness. His death has left his family devastated and determined to raise awareness about meningitis symptoms.
Connor urged others not to dismiss persistent flu-like symptoms and to seek medical advice immediately. “If you’re worried, take action,” he said. “Don’t just assume it’s nothing.”
Lucas was remembered as “a force of nature”—ambitious, kind, and full of potential. His family hopes his story will save other young lives.