ARLINGTON - What appeared to be a stomach virus was discovered to be something deadly for Arlington High School senior Aarin McGuire.

Aarin McGuire left school early last Thursday after she became ill. Three days later, the 18-year-old died, and doctors discovered it was the result of an illness that has seldom been seen since the 1980s.

"Aarin's dream was to become an English teacher at Arlington High School," said Thomas McGuire, Aarin's father.

The teen was already volunteering with a teacher at a local elementary school.

Aarin was already feeling sick Thursday, but she still went to school until she was encouraged to go home by teachers.

"She had strep throat," her father said.

By Saturday, she wasn't getting any better and her doctor ordered her to the hospital.

"We talked to her and prayed and encouraged her to hang in there and be strong, but her little heart rate just would not come down," Thomas McGuire said.

By Sunday morning, Aarin was gone.

"Basically, her kidneys failed her and her organs began to shut down because of the toxins that were going through her body,"

The cause of her death was Toxic Shock Syndrome, the result of a bacterial infection.

A spokesperson for the medical examiner's office said it's not contagious.

"We've provided extra counselors at Arlington High School to address any issues or concerns they may have,"

Mr. McGuire said he has been overwhelmed by the support for his family. He started a scholarship fund in honor of his daughter.

E-mail chawes@wfaa.com