A DEVASTATED family discovered their teenage daughter dead in bed after she didn't wake up for school.
Melody Southon passed away suddenly in her sleep on Monday night.
Relatives described the 17-year-old, who had no known health conditions, as "beautiful, outgoing, happy and bright".
They added that she was the "best daughter" and a wonderful sister to her 13 siblings.
Melody, from Seabrook in Melbourne, Australia, went to class as normal on September 4, but soon started to feel unwell.
Her sisters told news.com.au: "She looked weak and other people sensed that she looked sick and tired."
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Teachers reportedly wanted to call an ambulance, but Melody wasn't keen.
"We are strong humans, we hold ourselves together really well," her siblings added.
"She probably thought that she would be OK tomorrow."
Sadly, Melody's younger sister found her dead the following morning when she didn't get up to go to school.
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The family are now waiting for a coroner's report to establish exactly how the year 11 student, who was born in New Zealand, died.
Her mum Ellen Tonihi, who is desperate for answers, told Daily Mail Australia: "My girl was special in every way possible.
"[She was the] most beautiful, respectful girl."
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover the cost of Melody's funeral on September 22.
"We want our last moments with her to be perfect," her sister, Monaryelle said.
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