Tipperary school devastated after death of student (16) during summer holidays

A Tipperary secondary school have led tributes after the death of one of their students during the summer holidays.

16-year-old Natalia Koziej died suddenly at Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise on August 4 and is "deeply regretted by her loving parents Beata and Kajetan, her sister Emilia, her grandparents, her aunts and uncles, her extended family, her boyfriend Mark, good neighbours and wide circle of friends." The family lived in Roscrea.

Natalia's current school, Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré issued a statement to say their school community was "deeply saddened" by the passing of Natalia who was a third year student at the Tipperary school.

The school statement added: "Her spirit and heart touched the lives of so many throughout her short life. As we light this candle today, on the day of her removal, we remember Natalia as a member of our school community, as a student and as a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, her friends and all who grieve her profound loss. May she Rest In Peace."

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In a heartbreaking post, Natalia's mother described her daughter as "my biggest miracle in the world."

ABOVE: The late Natalia Koziej (16) died on August 4, 2025

Beata Koziej added: "Those 16 years that we have spent together were the most wonderful. Despite an unequal battle with illness, you have always been strong. Thank you for being your mother, my angel, you fought bravely until the end. I hope you don't suffer anymore and that's how I will remember you. Always keeping a smile on my face. Love you and miss you."

Natalia's former primary school, Oxmantown National School in Birr, Co Offaly, were among others paying tribute. The school posted: "We are utterly heartbroken to share the news of the death of past pupil Natalia Koziej.

"Natalia was a bright, sweet natured young girl with a beautiful heart. Your bravery left an everlasting impression on our school community Natalia. Deepest condolences to Natalia's devastated family. We pray that your memories of beautiful Natalia will support you in the tough times ahead."

A comment from her former teacher read: "I am so sorry to hear this very sad news, Natalia was a fabulous young girl, I had the pleasure of teaching her a number of years back in Oxmantown and will always remember her as a kind beautiful girl, full of fun, may she rest in peace and condolences to all her family at this heartbreaking time."

Further condolences and tributes are being paid to Natalia on her RIP.ie death notice. One school friend poignantly wrote: "I am so sorry for your loss. Natalia was a good friend and will be greatly missed. I am going to miss our chats in class. Fly high."

Another condolence read: "So sorry to hear of Natalia’s passing. I had the privilege of preparing Natalia for her Confirmation a few years ago. A beautiful gentle young lady taken too soon. May the Light of Heaven shine on her."

Natalia's body was reposing in Tierney's Funeral Home, Roscrea (E53NY70) on Thursday evening from 5.30pm to 7.00pm. Removal from Tierney's Funeral Home on Friday morning at 10.30am travelling to Shannon Crematorium for cremation at 12 noon.